What does a red ribbon in a horse's tail indicate?

A red ribbon in a horse's tail is a widely recognized signal that the horse kicks. This alert serves as a warning to both riders and handlers to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance. The red ribbon effectively conveys to others that the horse has this behavior, allowing them to take the necessary precautions when interacting with or approaching the horse.

The other options, while they may seem plausible in some contexts, do not accurately represent the common meaning associated with a red ribbon on a horse. For instance, a horse being for sale would typically not be indicated with a ribbon tied to its tail. Additionally, stallions might be marked or referenced differently, and nervousness in a horse is generally communicated through body language rather than ribbon color. Thus, the red ribbon's specific association with kicking is clear and important for safe interactions within equestrian environments.