Very first sign that a horse isn't ok inside

This question was posed by Deb Bennett on her forum, & the answer didn't seem to be forthcoming (sometimes threads hang on there), & I thought that we all should know the answer to the question, thus I present it here.

I'm also embarrassed to say that I'm not sure of the answer, though holding the breath is my guess, then there's the tensing of the ears; well, can anyone say for sure?

Sorry I guess I'm missing the question?

Hmmmm I was going to immediately answer with something.....then I thought I'd ask you to elaborate on the question....I'm assuming you mean internal health, not mental health......

Im probably completely off, but I saw "worry" wrinkles above the eyes, a slightly pulled back nostril also with wrinkles above.....

I think it depends on the horse

By "not ok inside", I mean the start of upset/fear.

It truly depends on the animal. With my mare,where she is in the field compared to the time of day will tell. Gelding, feed always tells the story.
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I think waht the OP means is that the horse is not mentally "ok" with something , such as something he is being asked to do, or some environment he's in.

It might be breathing, but I cannot see that unless it's radically off from normal. For me, it's a tightening of the skin, in particualr on the neck. And, a tightening of the jaw and lips.

As in for a moment or forever fearful?

I thought that's what you meant......I'd say holding breath, locking jaw, large muscle in lower neck tensing up?????? I could say wide eye, but that's too obvious......???????