You might have heard a horse nicker in different contexts and wondered, what does it mean when a horse nickers? Whether it’s a mare nickering to her newborn foal, a stallion as a mare approaches, or your own horse as you enter his paddock, this sound is unique to horses.
Why and How Do Horses Vocalize?
Horses make a few sounds using their mouths, respiratory systems, and larynx. These vocalizations can communicate messages between animals or convey a horse’s state of being. Horses make fewer vocalizations than other species, perhaps because, as prey animals, drawing attention to oneself while communicating can also attract the attention of predators.
Horses make sounds in one of two ways: as a result of air pushed purposely through the larynx or as a byproduct when air is forcibly expelled through the upper respiratory passages. The former vocalization is what horses most often use to communicate with others.
Different vocalizations require the horse’s mouth to be open or closed to generate sound. When horses want their vocalizations to travel far, they can also use their large sinus cavities to help the message carry. Common vocalizations that convey messages include the squeal, whinny (neigh), snort, and blow. Others, such as groans or grunts, tend to occur because of factors such as pain, physical exertion, or in the case of the snore, during deep sleep.
The Nicker
The nicker conveys meaning. When horses nicker, their mouth is usually closed, their nostrils flared, and the sound has a “throaty” quality. It is a soft, low-to-medium pulsing sound lasting less than two seconds. As a vocalization, the nicker is affiliative, meaning its effect is that of building and enhancing relationships between individuals. Researchers have identified three types of nickers that vary depending on who is doing it and who is the intended receiver.
Nickers generally occur in one of three contexts:
- By mares to their foals.
- By stallions to mares that might be receptive to courtship.
- By a horse that views the arrival of a friend as desirable.
Each nicker conveys a slightly different “come closer” message.
What Does it Mean When a Horse Nickers?
Recognizing and responding to the nicker is an innate behavior. Immediately after birth, a foal will orient toward and even follow a nicker sound—even when imitated by a person. Within the first few weeks of life, the foal needs to actively learn how to recognize its dam through smell, sight, and sound. But understanding what a nicker means is inborn. A mare will nicker to her foal when she wants him to come to her side or when she is slightly concerned about him.
Stallions or geldings will nicker to mares with whom they are interested in entering into courtship. This nicker is often very low, longer, and more powerful than other nickers. I personally can’t help but think of the very talented American singer and songwriter Barry White, known for his deep, bass voice and romantic songs, when I hear this nicker.
The third type, a “come closer, friend” message, occurs when a horse welcomes another horse it views favorably back to its location. It can also occur when a preferred human appears—particularly one who’s bringing food.
The research on equine vocalizations is still in its infancy. However, we know each individual’s vocalizations have unique qualities, or a “voiceprint.” By about three weeks of age, a foal can tell the difference between his dam’s vocalizations and those of other horses. Mares can also differentiate the nickers of individual stallions.
In Summary
While we currently still know little about horses’ vocal communications, when we appreciate that horses are always communicating with others—and with us—we can get a glimpse into their social world and emotional lives. Whether we see a mare reassuring her foal, a stallion and mare in early courtship, or your own horse greeting you at feeding time, the nicker is a reminder that horses are socially complex animals with rich communication systems. By paying attention to how they communicate, we not only become better horse people, but we also gain a greater appreciation for the depth of their relationships and the ways they express connection.
Related Reading:
- From Body Language to Behavior: How Horses Communicate
- How Can I Tell if My Horse Likes Me?
- What Does it Mean When a Horse Pins its Ears?
Lauren Fraser, MSc, FFCP, has helped people understand horse behavior problems since 2006. With a background working as a horse trainer, an MSc in clinical animal behavior, and more than a decade working as an equine behavior consultant, Lauren’s approach gets to the heart of why horses behave the way they do and addresses issues using low-stress methods. Lauren also guest lectures at universities, presents at conferences, and creates educational programs for horse owners and equine professionals.
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