Lena Torres
Horses communicate through a variety of sounds, each with its own meaning and nuance. While the term a sound horse refers to the overall health of the animal, the sounds they make can indicate anything from pleasure to distress. From neighing and whinnying to snorting and groaning, each noise is an expression of the horse's emotional state. Understanding these sounds is key to interpreting their behaviour and ensuring their well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common sound | Neigh |
| Other names for neighing | Nickering, Whinnying, Whining, Roaring |
| When horses neigh | To express excitement, loneliness, distress, fear, anger, or to check if companions are nearby |
| Other sounds | Snorting, Bubbling, Blowing, Groaning, Sighing, Screaming, Squealing, Blubbering |
| When horses snort | To show self-content and safety, to signal alertness or danger |
| When horses blow | When they are curious or relaxed |
| When horses groan | When they are uncomfortable, in pain, or feeling pleasure |
| When horses sigh | When they feel relaxed |
| When horses scream | When they are in distress, fearful, or threatened |
| When horses squeal | To show anger or excitement |
| When horses blubber | To show interest or attraction |
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What You'll Learn
Neighing, snorting, and whinnying
Horses make a variety of sounds, and each type of sound has a particular meaning. Neighing, snorting, and whinnying are some of the most common sounds made by horses.
Neighing
Neighing is a loud, prolonged, high-pitched, slightly staccato vocalization, usually delivered with the head raised, nostrils flared, and a rigid posture. Horses often neigh when they are excited to see a human or another friendly animal. It is a way for a horse to welcome another animal or a human. Horses also neigh to seek attention from other horses or due to separation from a human or another horse. Neighing is used as a way for a horse to contact others from far away, as it carries across long distances. Neighing is also frequently associated with separation anxiety between herd-mates. In some cases, horses may neigh so loudly that it sounds like a scream, expressing an emotional state of panic or grief.
Snorting
Snorting is a common sound made by a horse by exhaling air through its nostrils. Horses often snort to show self-content and safety. They snort when they are close to known horses and feel happy. This sound is accompanied by a swishing tail and a calm face. Snorting can also be used to communicate alarm or as a sign of frustration or playfulness. A loud, repeated snort indicates that danger is imminent.
Whinnying
Whinnying is a greeting, similar to neighing. It is a soft and somewhat guttural sound, often used as an invitation to come closer. Horses whinny softly and gently when they hear a friend coming from a distance. Mares with foals also whinny to call their offspring, and foals can recognize their mother's whinny just weeks after being born.
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Blowing, snorting, and groaning
Horses communicate through various sounds, including blowing, snorting, and groaning. These sounds are part of their acoustic language and are used to convey different messages or signals.
Blowing
A blow is characterized by a strong exhalation of air through the nostrils, with the horse's mouth remaining closed. This exhalation is prolonged, and the nostrils are dilated. Horses may blow during or after curiously exploring something by sniffing. It is also a way to alert other horses of intruders. The blow is a non-pulsating broadband-level sound that can be heard from up to 98 feet away.
Snorting
Snorting is another important form of acoustic communication in horses. It is produced by a forced exhalation through the nostrils, similar to a blow, but with an audible, fluttering pulsation of the nostrils. The average duration of a snort is between 0.8 and 0.9 seconds, and it can be heard up to 165 feet away. Snorting is often related to the actions of the rider or handler and becomes less frequent as the horse gets older and better trained.
Groaning
Groaning in horses typically indicates pain, discomfort, or distress. Horses may groan during physically strenuous movements, such as rising from the ground, or when experiencing colic. It is important to pay attention to groaning as it may signal that the horse is in need of assistance or veterinary care.
Understanding these vocalizations is crucial for effective interspecies communication and ensuring the well-being of horses.
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Nickering
The nicker is a form of vocalization that is affiliative in nature, helping to build and enhance relationships. It is often described as a “greeting nicker” and is considered a very personal and touching way for horses to greet those they know and love. Nickering is also observed when a mare wants her foal to come to her side or when she is concerned about him.
Stallions and geldings may nicker to mares as a form of courtship, and this nicker tends to be very low, longer, and more powerful than other nickers. Horses are known to develop unique nickers for individuals, and they can differentiate between the vocalizations of different horses. For example, a horse may have a special nicker reserved for its owner or a particular friend.
The term "nicker" originates from the Scottish and North England dialect, and it describes a softer sound produced by horses compared to the louder neigh or whinny. Overall, the nicker is a special form of communication for horses, allowing them to express their emotions and strengthen their bonds with others.
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Bubbling
The term "bubbling" refers to a soft and somewhat guttural sound made by horses, akin to a gentle grumble. This sound is often used as a friendly greeting or an invitation for others to come closer. It is a sign of affection and camaraderie, indicating that the horse feels comfortable and content. Horses may also bubble to express excitement, particularly when anticipating food.
Mares, or female horses, are known to use bubbling as a clear announcement when they feel harassed or bothered by an impetuous stallion or when they need some space after mating. In this context, bubbling can be understood as a polite yet firm request for other horses to respect their boundaries.
Stallions, or male horses, also have their unique version of bubbling. They produce a deep and long blubbering sound to attract the attention of mares, expressing their confidence and interest. This sound is often followed by energetic and expressive neighing if there is food present, adding emphasis to their display of vigor and enthusiasm.
In addition to communication between horses, bubbling is also used in interactions with humans. Horses may produce this soft grumbling sound as a friendly greeting to their human companions, especially when anticipating a meal. This sound is their way of expressing excitement and joy in the presence of their caretakers.
Understanding the bubbling sound is essential in comprehending equine behavior and fostering meaningful connections with these majestic creatures. By recognizing and interpreting their various vocalizations, we can better appreciate the complex social dynamics and emotional range of horses.
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Maintaining a horse's soundness
The term "soundness" in relation to horses refers to their overall health. A sound horse is one that has no lameness or illness. While a trained veterinarian is the best person to assess soundness, there are some warning signs you can observe to determine if a veterinary opinion is required.
Regular Check-ups and Quick Body Checks
Perform a soundness check every week or two, or anytime you suspect a problem. Start by standing the horse on level ground, then examine its body from head to toe. Look for right-left symmetry in the head and face muscles, as any asymmetry or bulge may indicate a dental issue. Check the jaw's grinding motion by gently moving it side to side with your hands. There should be no resistance, as this may indicate discomfort.
Neck, Withers, and Back
Use your fingers to press lightly along the neck, withers, and muscles running down the back, examining each side separately. Look for asymmetrical muscle development and soreness. Test the range of motion by holding a carrot under the horse's nose and slowly lowering it to its front feet to get it to stretch and reach for it. If it has difficulty, this could indicate neck stiffness or a back problem.
Legs
Run your hands down each leg, comparing it to the opposite leg. Look for heat, swelling, or sensitivity to pressure, which are signs of injury. Pick up each leg and gently move the joints through their normal range of motion, checking for greater-than-normal resistance.
Hooves
Check for cracks in the hoof wall, and ensure that the hooves land evenly when the horse walks. Take pictures of the hooves periodically to track changes over time.
Warm-up and Exercise
Always ensure your horse is properly warmed up before exercise to prevent muscle sprains or strains. A proper warm-up involves gently and slowly stretching the horse's muscles and ligaments, boosting circulation, and getting the horse mentally "in sync". Controlled exercise strengthens muscles and vital structures, making the horse less likely to injure itself.
Terrain
Avoid riding on terrain that deviates from the horse's natural environment of smooth, slightly spongy ground with a thin layer of vegetation. Large, sharp rocks, slick surfaces, and sucking mud can pose risks of injury. When encountering bad ground, let the horse pick its own path and pace.
Weight Management
Maintain a healthy weight for your horse to avoid putting undue stress on its joints.
Turnout
Horses that live outside with ample space to move are generally healthier.
Veterinary Care
Regular soundness exams by a veterinarian can help maintain the horse's performance. This includes joint therapies and treatments such as injections.
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Frequently asked questions
Neighing is one of the loudest sounds a horse can make and can signify various emotions. Horses use this sound to communicate with others that are out of sight. It can be a sign of excitement, loneliness, or anxiety.
Snorting is a medium-volume sound made when a horse forcefully exhales through its nostrils. Horses snort to signal alertness or potential danger. Snorting during riding or lunging can also be a sign of relaxation and well-being.
Nickering is a gentle, affectionate sound that horses make when greeting each other or humans. It’s a soft, low vibrating sound made with their mouth closed.
Blowing is like snorting but less forceful. It’s a simple exhalation through the nose, often a sign of curiosity or relaxation. Horses may blow gently when meeting a new friend or checking out a new object.
