Fox07
Well-Known Member
is there a link between excessive yawning and ulcers/ stomach problems? if yes could you let me know what the link is?
yawning and stomach problems?
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Rueysmum
Well-Known Member
When my horse has low grade spasmodic colic he yawns a lot. With him it's a sign that he's uncomfortable. It's also a sign of stress. I don't know what the scientific link is though.
TarrSteps
Well-Known Member
Technically it's a sign of the release of stress. So it CAN be a sign that a horse is in pain, especially if it happens along with other signs of discomfort and/or without other signs of relaxation. Some horses do yawn when they are vaguely colicky although it's more common for them to curl their lip (flehmen).
Some horses happen upon the yawning for a general stress release though. It's very common when horse are being massaged or undergoing similar therapies and many horses yawn after exercise. Snorting, in the way that we encourage under saddle (blowing out softly, not an alarmed snort) is a similar release and usually taken as a sign the horse is reaction. I've found, too, that once horses learn the response works they will extrapolate it into other situations, such as when they are waiting for their feed or have had an altercation with another horse.
Context is everything. When is your horse yawning?
Some horses happen upon the yawning for a general stress release though. It's very common when horse are being massaged or undergoing similar therapies and many horses yawn after exercise. Snorting, in the way that we encourage under saddle (blowing out softly, not an alarmed snort) is a similar release and usually taken as a sign the horse is reaction. I've found, too, that once horses learn the response works they will extrapolate it into other situations, such as when they are waiting for their feed or have had an altercation with another horse.
Context is everything. When is your horse yawning?
Eaglestone
Well-Known Member
I noticed that Motor kept yawning when he was initially suffering from Laminitis, so I agree there must be a link between discomfort and yawning in horses 
