Snorting

A soft, rhythmic, pulsing snort through the nose. More common in pleasant, calm situations, but not a simple happiness meter.

Snorting: A soft, rhythmic, pulsing snort through the nose. More common in pleasant, calm situations, but not a simple happiness meter.
Read the combination and the context. Always read this signal together with the rest of the body and the situation.

What you see

A non-vocal, pulsing sound through the nostrils, softer and more rhythmic than the sharp alarm blow. Often with a relaxed posture.

What it can mean

  • Research shows horses snort more in favourable situations, such as at pasture and while feeding, and less when welfare is poorer.
  • Clearing the nostrils of dust, hay or irritants.
  • The transition into rest after a tense moment.

What this does not prove

Snorting is no simple happiness button. It is statistically linked to more positive situations, but a single snort does not prove a horse is happy; it also just happens to clear the nose.

Read the combination and the context

Weigh the snort together with the context (pasture, food, rest) and with loose ears and a soft face. More snorting over a longer period says more than a single snort.

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Sources: Stomp, M., Lansade, L. et al. (2018), PLOS ONE · McDonnell, S. (2003), University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (New Bolton Center). The science here is cautious or not yet clear-cut; provisional.