Although horses use mainly body language to communicate, vocalization does play a role in getting their message across.
Horses are usually quiet creatures, although there are a few exceptions, and they general only make noises when put into certain situations. Regardless of the horse there are general reasons for most sounds that horses make.
- Exhaling: Horses may sometimes make soft sighing noises which mean that they are simply relaxing. The noise is their sound for accompanying that release of pent up tensions.
- Sharp Snorts: Sharp snorts can have one of two meanings. The horse may simply have gotten dust of some sort up its noise and is making an effort to clear it, or the horse may be alarmed and the snorts are a sign of that. In this case the horse’s body language will make it clear as to which situation is occurring.
- Deep vibrating snorts: These snorts tend to be deeper and longer than sharp snorts. Similarly though, they indicate the horse is alarmed, wary and suspicious of the situation. A horse making this noise may bolt or spook.
- Whinnies or Neighs: This sound is a loud call generally beginning high pitched and finishing in the lower range. This call can be very loud and heard from pretty far distances. There are several reasons that horses use this means of communication, as a way to make or stay in contact with other horses, to warn other horses or humans of danger, or to get attention or indicate that they need something (often that something is food).
- Screams: A scream is more intense call than a neigh or whinny. This is typically the call given by a foal that is trying to find its dam or by a horse that is trying to find the rest of his herd.
- Nickering: This soft chortling noise is one that mares often give as a greeting to their offspring. This noise can also be a greeting for a human, especially when it is meal time.
- Grunting: Horses generally grunt when they are exerting themselves, such as during rolling or when they are bucking or rearing.
- Squealing: Horses generally squeal when they are interacting with other horses. The call is a short very excited call that can either mean that they are interested in playing with the horse or that they want them to get away.
Understanding how horses “talk” to one another and to humans is an important step in understanding what a horse wants and what his mood is like. With this knowledge it is possible to be able to adjust training knowing that the horse is scared, or missing its friends.
The copyright of the article Horse Communication in Horses is owned by Megan Worley. Permission to republish Horse Communication in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
