If you’ve spent time around horses, you’ve probably heard it, that sudden, loud neigh breaking the silence of the night. It can be a little unsettling, especially if it happens often. In my experience, nighttime neighing usually isn’t random. Horses are highly social, aware animals, and when they vocalize after […]

I love that soft, low sound horses make when they see you. It’s not loud like a neigh and not sharp like a snort, it’s something in between. That’s called a nicker, and in my experience, it’s one of the most rewarding sounds a horse owner can hear. Horses don’t […]

Having a horse quietly trail behind you like a giant shadow can feel pretty special, like you’ve formed some kind of instant bond. In my experience, this is one of those behaviors that means different things depending on the horse and the situation. Sometimes it’s trust, sometimes it’s curiosity… and […]

If you’ve ever walked out to the pasture and noticed your horse chewing on fence rails, stall boards, or barn doors, you’re not alone. Wood chewing is a common behavior in horses, and understanding common horse behaviors can help you recognize when something is normal—or a sign that something needs […]

Have you ever watched a horse suddenly drop to the ground and begin rolling enthusiastically in the dirt? To new horse owners, this behavior can look alarming at first—especially when a horse kicks its legs in the air or thrashes around. However, rolling is one of the most natural and healthy […]

You’ve probably seen it: a horse suddenly stomps its foot hard on the ground. Sometimes it’s a single stamp. Other times the horse repeatedly pounds its hoof in irritation. For horse owners and riders, this behavior can raise questions. Is the horse angry?Is it uncomfortable?Or is it simply trying to get […]