Why is it important to know how horses communicate?

Horses can understand tones but not actual Words. Horses, being prey animals, do not use language in the same way that predators do. They use their voice to express concern, loneliness or to call out. This helps them to discover where other horses are at. Horses will nicker to a person they become familiar with during feeding times or when they anticipate being in contact. This is often interpreted as language. Predators, like coyotes, communicate with their barks/growls to tell each other where they are at, to celebrate a kill, or to tell another animal to stay away.