A Glossary of Equine Vocalizations

dominant and that can impact all aspects of your relationship. Heres what to do
1. Dont let the nicker be a signal that you should go give your horse extra food or a treat.
2. If the nicker only happens when youre feeding all the horses at a regular feeding time thats acceptable.
3. Dont feed a horse in the moment that he is showing aggressive behavior. Wait for him to calm down and only feed when he is calmeven if its just for a moment.
Vocalization 3 Snort
snort snrt
an explosive sound made by the sudden forcing of breath through the nose.
What it is The snort is an alarm. If a horse does it and holds his head high he has detected a threat.
What it Means The horse can add a rattling sound to the snort when he is highly alarmed or he may just blow as a milder alarm. The snort may also be used during play when he wants to practice his flight response hell often snort first then run. You may hear your horse snort on a trail ride if he detects a strange scent. Here in the

 Rocky Mountains the horses will often snort when we approach elk on the trail.

How to Respond If you hear a horse snort stop and make an assessment. It could be one of two things
1. Look where the snorting horse is looking. There may be something in the distance that is a legitimate threat or it could be that the horse is fearful of something benign.
2. The horse could be snorting at you if youre doing new groundwork or establishing boundaries with a previously unhandled horse. The horse needs to have some deference for the handler and he will come to trust you in time. However remember that a snorting horse is feeling threatened
and may be willing to act out.
Equine Vocalization 4 Squeal
squeal skwl
a long highpitched cry or noise.
What it is Most often heard from mares but any horse may squeal. When horses squeal it is usually a warning of horseonhorse violence.
What it Means A mare will squeal to repel the advances of a stallion but it may also indicate two horses meeting for the first time. They will sniff one another then one will squeal as a threat of aggression. Often one horse will back down after a squeal but if they both remain engaged a strike or kick can come next.