Types of Horse Sounds

Horses are majestic animals. We love to watch them running with the winds. Kids find horses quite fascinating. They love to ride them at fairs and other places. Hence, learning horse sounds becomes a necessary part of understanding this animal. Let us find out what a horse sound is and its different types.

What is a Horse Sound?

A sound made by a horse by exhaling air from its mouth and nostrils is called a horse sound. It makes different types of sounds. Each type of sound has a particular meaning. The common horse sound is called neigh.

A Horse Neighing

Types of Horse Sounds

Let us find out the types of horse sounds and their meanings.

Neighing or whining

Neighing or whining is a sound made by a horse when he is excited to see a human being or any other friendly animal. It is a way that a horse welcomes another animal or a human. On the other hand, horses often make this sound to seek attention from other horses. It has also been found that whining and neighing are also done by a horse due to separation from a human or another horse.

Nickering

This horse sound name is quite interesting. It is a sound that a horse makes to call and to seek the attention of a mare. Male horses produce such sounds to call mares. In fact, mares make this sound to call the foals when they wander far away from them. It is also a bonding sound made by mare mothers for foals.

Snort

What is the sound of a horse that is very common? Snorting is a very common sound made by a horse. It is done using exhaling air through their nostrils. Horses often make such sounds to show self-content and safety. They do it when they are close to known horses and feel happy. This sound is accompanied by a swishing tail and a calm face. They also greet other farm animals and human companions making such sounds.

Squealing

It is a high-pitch sound that a horse makes when it has become aggressive and shows territorial features. This sound is generally made by horses engaged in violence. It is a sign of aggression shown by a horse. Horses meeting unknown horses make such sounds.

Groaning

Groaning is a low-pitch sound made by a horse when someone is riding on it or it is carrying something on its back. A horse also makes a groaning sound when it runs, jumps, or trains under an owner’s supervision. Horses also groan when they are rolling on the grass. They express pleasure and happiness similar to a dog rolling on the grass.

A Baby Horse or a Foal

Sighing

Sighing sounds are made by horses when they are petted or when they are very close to their human companions. They feel relaxed and safe when they are close to familiar faces and make such sounds. Such sounds are also made when they are groomed, sunbathed, or cuddled.

Screaming

Wild horses have been witnessed screaming whereas domesticated horses do not. This is a threatening call made by a horse when an unknown horse enters its territory. A horse also squeals when it senses a predator. It is a social animal and tends to alert others by squealing or high-pitched neighing.

Tips for Parents

Now we know what sound do horses make. Explain these sounds using audio files and describe why a horse is doing so. Children will understand the difference between the sounds made by a horse and will be able to understand this animal better. They will also learn the right English words to explain such sounds and increase their vocabulary.