Domesticated equines (donkeys, mules and horses) communicate through their entire bodies. What they see, what they hear, what they smell, what they touch, how they are touched: for them, these are the important elements in a conversation. If you begin to approach an equine, and they can see you, they're paying very close attention – right from your first movement. They watch your entire body, your hands, the way you hold yourself, the speed at which you move – all these signals are a source of communication.
You can tell a lot from the position of a donkey’s ears:
- Both ears forward: the donkey is tuned in to something on or behind you. The donkey is watching your movement, your speed and where you're going.
- One ear forward and one back: the donkey is very curious, checking out all environmental sounds.
- Ears flat out to the side: the donkey is resting.
- Both ears back and up: something is going on behind them but it is still watching you with its eyes.
- Ears back and down: there is something wrong. Do NOT approach
What are Buffy's ears telling you? :-)Buffy (1984 - Jan 9, 2017) Sweet Buffy...your gentle presence will be missed.