What Does It Mean When A Horse Licks Its Lips

Have you ever caught your horse licking its lips and wondered what it meant? Is it a sign of hunger, thirst, or something else? As a horse owner, it's essential to understand the various body languages and signals our equine friends use to communicate. In this detailed guide, we will explore the reasons why a horse may lick its lips and what action you should take. Let's unravel the mystery behind this fascinating behavior!

Normal Behavior and Relaxation

One of the primary reasons horses lick their lips is to show a sense of relaxation and well-being. When a horse is relaxed, it releases a hormone called serotonin, which can trigger the lip-licking action. If your horse licks its lips after a training session or a pleasurable experience, it is an indication that they are feeling content and at ease.

Submission and Listening

Another common reason for a horse to lick its lips is to display submission or tell you that they're paying attention. This behavior can be seen during training or when interacting with other horses. A horse will often lick its lips to show respect towards someone they recognize as a leader. This simple gesture can be a strong indication that your horse is receptive, willing to learn, and cooperating with you.

Food Reward and Positive Reinforcement

If you provide your horse with a treat after a training session or reward their good behavior with food, they may lick their lips after eating the treat. The lip-licking action is a way of savoring the taste and expressing their appreciation for the tasty reward. It can also serve as an indicator that positive reinforcement training methods are working, and your horse is enjoying the process.

Digestive Processes and Saliva Production

Sometimes a horse might lick its lips in an attempt to stimulate saliva production, which plays a crucial role in the digestive process. Saliva helps break down food particles and aids in swallowing, making it essential for proper digestion. If the horse is exhibiting this behavior after a meal, it could be a sign that they are merely aiding their digestion and processing their meal efficiently.

Stress and Coping Mechanism

On the other side of the spectrum, excessive lip-licking can also indicate that a horse is feeling stressed or anxious. In such cases, lip-licking or chewing may serve as a coping mechanism to release tension. Keep an eye on your horse's other body language such as restlessness or a high tail carriage to understand if they are feeling stressed.

What Does It Mean When A Horse Licks Its Lips Example:

Imagine you're working on a new training technique with your horse. As you practice, you reward your equine partner with a treat each time they perform the desired behavior correctly. You notice that each time they receive the treat, they lick their lips in satisfaction. In this case, the lip-licking is an acknowledgment of the reinforcement, and your horse is expressing their enjoyment of the activity.

In contrast, imagine your horse has recently moved to a new environment, such as a different barn or pasture. Feeling uncertain and disoriented in their new surroundings, you notice they are licking their lips more frequently compared to when they were in their familiar setting. In this instance, the lip-licking might be a sign of mild stress, and you must provide reassurance, comfort, and time for your horse to adjust.

Understanding your horse's body language is imperative to building a strong relationship and ensuring their well-being. By paying close attention to their actions, such as lip-licking, you can gauge their feelings and respond accordingly. Remember that each horse is unique, and their reasons for lip-licking may differ. If you found this guide helpful, please feel free to share it and explore other insightful articles on How to Own a Horse – your one-stop resource for horse and pony care.