When we observe horses, we often notice that they yawn quite frequently. This can be a bit perplexing for us, as yawning is something we humans associate with fatigue or boredom. So, what does it mean when horses yawn a lot?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why horses yawn, the different types of horse yawns, and how to interpret them. We’ll also explore what to do when your horse yawns and how to respond to the behavior.
What Does It Mean When Horses Yawn A Lot?
When horses yawn, it’s usually a sign that they’re relaxed and content. Yawning is often seen as a sign of comfort and well-being in horses, and it can be an indication that they are feeling safe and secure in their environment.
Horses can also yawn as a way to communicate with other horses or people. For example, a horse may yawn to signal that they are not feeling threatened or anxious and are open to interaction.
Types Of Horse Yawns
There are several types of horse yawns that can indicate different things. Here are some of the most common types of horse yawns:
- The Stress Yawn: This type of yawn is typically seen in horses that are feeling anxious or stressed. It’s usually accompanied by other signs of stress, such as head shaking, tail swishing, or pawing at the ground.
- The Comfort Yawn: This type of yawn is usually seen in horses that are content and relaxed. It’s often accompanied by other signs of comfort, such as licking or chewing.
- The Social Yawn: This type of yawn is often seen when horses are interacting with other horses or people. It’s usually seen as a sign that the horse is comfortable and open to interaction.
- The Boredom Yawn: This type of yawn is usually seen in horses that are bored or under-stimulated. It’s often accompanied by signs of restlessness, such as pacing or head tossing.
How To Interpret Horse Yawns
It’s important to be able to interpret a horse’s yawns in order to understand their behavior and respond appropriately. Here are some tips for interpreting a horse’s yawns:
- Observe the horse’s body language and behavior. Pay attention to other signs of comfort or stress, such as licking or head shaking.
- Consider the context. If the horse is in a new environment or around other horses or people, it’s likely that the yawn is a sign of comfort or social interaction.
- Pay attention to the frequency of the yawning. If the horse is yawning frequently or excessively, it may be a sign of stress or boredom.
- Be aware of the horse’s environment. If the horse is in a stressful environment, such as a busy show ring, it’s more likely that the yawn is a sign of stress.
What To Do When Your Horse Yawns
Once you’ve interpreted your horse’s yawns, it’s important to respond appropriately. Here are some tips for responding to a horse’s yawns:
- If the horse is yawning in a stressful situation, such as a show ring, try to provide comfort and reassurance. Speak softly and offer treats if possible.
- If the horse is yawning in a relaxed situation, such as when you’re grooming them, take the opportunity to interact with them. Speak softly and offer treats if possible.
- If the horse is yawning excessively, it may be a sign of stress or boredom. In this case, it’s important to assess the situation and determine what’s causing the stress or boredom.
- If the horse is yawning in a social situation, such as when they’re interacting with other horses or people, take the opportunity to bond. Speak softly and offer treats if possible.
Why Do Horses Yawn?
There are a few different theories as to why horses yawn. Here are some of the most common theories:
- Signal Comfort: Horses may yawn to signal that they are feeling relaxed and comfortable in their environment.
- Signal Stress: Horses may yawn to signal that they are feeling anxious or stressed in their environment.
- Regulate Brain Temperature: Horses may yawn in order to regulate their brain temperature, as yawning causes an increase in blood flow to the brain.
- Communicate With Others: Horses may yawn to communicate with other horses or people, as yawning is often seen as a sign of comfort and openness.
Conclusion
Yawning is a common behavior in horses, and understanding what it means can help us better interpret their behavior. Yawning is usually a sign that the horse is feeling relaxed and comfortable, but it can also be a sign of stress or boredom. Paying attention to the context and other signs of comfort or stress can help you accurately interpret a horse’s yawns.
It’s important to respond appropriately to a horse’s yawns in order to maintain a trusting and healthy relationship. By providing comfort and reassurance when needed and taking advantage of opportunities for social interaction, you can ensure that your horse is happy and content.
References
Books
Gee, E. (2009). Horse behavior: The physiology and psychology of horses. Routledge.
Websites
Kruger, A. (n.d.). What does it mean when horses yawn? Retrieved from https://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/what-does-it-mean-when-horses-yawn
McCarthy, C. (n.d.). What does it mean when horses yawn? Retrieved from https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/horse-health/what-does-it-mean-when-horses-yawn