Chico Mio
Antedeluvian
Ari flips his head up and down at FB and other horses . FB will sometimes do it at Ari but I've never seen him do it to other horses. Any idea what it means in 'horse talk'?
Head nodding - what does it mean?
- Thread starter Chico Mio
- Start date
Irishcobs
Well-Known Member
Are their ears flat back at the time?
Chico Mio
Antedeluvian
No. It's not really agressive, he'll do it walking towards FB or if they are just standing near each other; he does it over the fence at the neighbours mare and foal. It's definitely AT them though, as I say it is odd FB has started too.
Irishcobs
Well-Known Member
Hmm don't no then. I've only seen horses doing this to warn others out of their space.
Chico Mio
Antedeluvian
I think he's just a bit touched, bless. I thought it could be a warning thing - he and FB aren't best buddies so I did wonder if they were just having a bit of handbags, but he's fascinated by the mare and foal.
I really asked because my OH said he does it at him when he takes the night time hay in, so maybe he just does it when he gets a bit excited? He's still quite babyish.
I really asked because my OH said he does it at him when he takes the night time hay in, so maybe he just does it when he gets a bit excited? He's still quite babyish.
cellie
Well-Known Member
Theres one on our yard that does it when stabled but not in paddock.Hes young only 5 think hes bored.
1990hr1992
Well-Known Member
QR- My 17yo 'nods' when he's stabled. Mainly when hes bored waiting for dinner or waiting to go out. Not aggresivly and he stops when you go upto him.
NeilM
Well-Known Member
My OH's chestnut mare does this and it means several things.
In winter, when we go to give them their feed and hay it means ' MINE mine mine mine mine' and it is often combined with rolling her head from side to side. How she nods up and down and rolls left and right, while trotting downhill and manages NOT to fall on here ar$e is a mystery.
In summer, when we are grooming or fussing her it means 'NO! don't touch me HUMAN. I am far too superior to be manhandled by inferior beings such as you' Or if aimed at another horse it means ' take one step closer and you DIE!'
Just to confuse, it can also mean 'ha ha ha ha ha' especially when a fart or something toiletry has been involved i.e. brushing her tail, or picking out her back feet she manages to fart on you she will then trot off nodding.
These are just a handful of translations I have managed to work out and like most horse language, the context is important..oh and the fact she is a SHE, oh and chestnut.
By contrast my gelding never nods, usually because he's too busy eating
In winter, when we go to give them their feed and hay it means ' MINE mine mine mine mine' and it is often combined with rolling her head from side to side. How she nods up and down and rolls left and right, while trotting downhill and manages NOT to fall on here ar$e is a mystery.
In summer, when we are grooming or fussing her it means 'NO! don't touch me HUMAN. I am far too superior to be manhandled by inferior beings such as you' Or if aimed at another horse it means ' take one step closer and you DIE!'
Just to confuse, it can also mean 'ha ha ha ha ha' especially when a fart or something toiletry has been involved i.e. brushing her tail, or picking out her back feet she manages to fart on you she will then trot off nodding.
These are just a handful of translations I have managed to work out and like most horse language, the context is important..oh and the fact she is a SHE, oh and chestnut.
By contrast my gelding never nods, usually because he's too busy eating
Ellies_mum2
Well-Known Member
I've seen my youngster do this too and am amazed how she stays on her feet. She does it when she is playing in the field with another youngster. Its really funny watching the pair of them prancing about with manes flying about