Horses can make a variety of sounds to communicate different things. Here are some of the most common sounds horses make and their meanings:
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Whinny: A high-pitched sound that horses make when they are trying to locate other horses or people. It can also be a sign of excitement or anxiety.
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Nicker: A soft, low-pitched sound that horses make when they are greeting someone they like or anticipating something good, such as food.
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Squeal: A long, high-pitched cry or noise that horses make when they are displaying fighting capability or warning of horse-on-horse violence. It can also occur when unfamiliar horses meet or when one violates the space of another, especially when theres an important resource at stake, such as food.
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Blow: A snort-like sound that horses make when they are alarmed or excited. They may add a rattling sound to the blow when they are highly alarmed.
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Snort: A sound that horses make when they are alarmed or want to practice their flight response. They may also snort when they detect a strange scent.
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Groan: A sound that horses make when they are lying down but are uncomfortable or when they are on their way to lying down for a nap or roll.
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Roar: A deep, throaty sound that horses make when they are unsettled, angry, or afraid. It can also indicate issues with the laryngeal nerve.
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Scream: A high-pitched, loud, and long vocalization that horses make in situations of increasing conflict between two horses or when they are terrified.
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Sigh: A sound that horses make when they feel relief after a tense situation or as they relax. They may also sigh when they are feeling bored or frustrated.
Its worth noting that horses can also communicate through body language, so its important to take in the context and other aspects of their behavior to properly read the situation.
