Horses are incredible animals with a rich vocabulary of behaviours that communicate their thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Just like dogs, who express themselves through barking, tail wagging, or even head tilting as discussed in our previous article on dog behaviour, horses have their own unique ways of interacting with the world and us. Understanding these behaviours helps deepen our connection with horses and ensures we respond appropriately to their needs.

Here are 10 fascinating horse behaviours and what they mean.

1. The Flehmen Response

You might have seen a horse curl back its upper lip, exposing its front teeth and nostrils wide open. This is the flehmen response. It’s a way horses analyse interesting smells, especially pheromones, to gather information about other horses or their environment. This behaviour helps stallions detect if a mare is in heat and allows any horse to investigate unfamiliar scents with more accuracy.

2. Clacking

Young horses often make a soft clicking or clacking sound with their teeth. This behaviour is a non-threatening signal—essentially saying “I’m just a baby” or “I mean no harm.” It’s a way foals and yearlings communicate submission and peaceful intent to older horses or herd members.

3. Flattened Ears: Warning Sign

When a horse pins its ears flat back against its head, it’s a clear warning. This posture signals anger, irritation, or readiness to retaliate if provoked. It’s important to take this seriously, as it often precedes defensive or aggressive behaviour such as biting or kicking.

4. Mutual Grooming

Horses often groom each other by nibbling or scratching hard-to-reach spots, usually along the neck or back. This mutual grooming is a social bonding activity that strengthens herd relationships and reduces tension.

5. Pawing at the Ground

Pawing can mean several things depending on context. Sometimes it indicates impatience or boredom—like when a horse is waiting to be fed or saddled. Other times, pawing is a sign of discomfort or frustration. It’s important to observe other behaviours to understand the cause. 

6. Tail Swishing

A flicking or swishing tail is often just to chase off flies or other insects. However, vigorous tail swishing can also indicate annoyance or agitation when near other horses or people.

7. Nicker Greeting

Horses greet familiar people or other horses with a soft nicker—a low, murmuring sound. It’s friendly and reassuring, showing recognition and calmness.

8. Head Tossing

There are many different reason and situations a horse might head toss. For example Head tossing may be a response to discomfort or an attempt to shake off flies. But repeated or aggressive head tossing during riding can indicate pain from tack or rider cues that the horse finds confusing or uncomfortable. There is also various head tossing during horse play!

9. Snorting and Blowing

When horses snort or blow forcefully through their nostrils, it often means they’re alerting others to potential danger or clearing their airways after exertion. It’s not just noise—it’s an important communication tool within the herd. There are many different snorts and blows to learn when it comes to horses.

10. Resting One Hind Leg

When you see a horse standing with one hind leg relaxed and slightly off the ground, it means the horse is comfortable and resting but remains alert. This “rest stance” is common in horses at ease in their environment.

Understanding these subtle but meaningful behaviours helps us appreciate horses as intelligent and sensitive beings. By tuning into their body language and vocalisations, we can build trust, improve safety, and create stronger bonds with these magnificent animals.

For more insights into animal behaviour, check out our article on Healing with horses and keep discovering the wonderful ways animals communicate with us!

Read the other Blogs in our “10 Things” Series:
Why Dogs Do These 10 Things
Why Cats Do These 10 Things