Horses are intelligent, social animals that can form strong bonds with their owners, and they have a variety of ways to communicate with us. One of the most common ways a horse will communicate with its owners is by licking. But what does it mean when a horse licks you?
The answer varies depending on the context and the individual horse, but in general, a horse licking you can be interpreted as a sign of affection or as a way for the horse to tell you something. Here, we’ll discuss the various meanings behind a horse licking you and how to properly interpret it.
Sign of Affection
One of the most common reasons a horse will lick you is as a sign of affection. Horses are social animals and form strong bonds with their owners, and a horse licking you is a sign that it considers you part of its herd. This type of licking is typically gentle and slow, and it usually follows a period of grooming or contact.
It’s important to note that this type of licking is typically reserved for people the horse is comfortable with. If a horse licks you, it’s a sign that it trusts you, so it’s important to be respectful and gentle with the animal.
Exploring its Environment
Another reason a horse may lick you is as a way to explore its environment. Horses have sensitive lips and tongues, and they use them to explore the world around them. This type of licking is often accompanied by the horse’s ears being perked up and its eyes wide open, as the horse is taking in its surroundings.
This type of licking usually occurs when the horse is in a new environment or when it encounters something unfamiliar. It’s important to pay attention to this type of licking, as it can be a sign that the horse is feeling uncomfortable or stressed.
Seeking Attention
Another reason a horse may lick you is to seek attention. Horses are highly social animals, and they need and crave interaction with their owners. If a horse is feeling neglected or lonely, it may lick you as a way to get your attention.
It’s important to always be mindful of how much attention and interaction your horse is getting. If you notice it licking you as a way to get your attention, make sure to give it some extra love and affection.
Expressing Pleasure
A horse may also lick you to express pleasure or contentment. If a horse is feeling comfortable and secure, it may lick you as a way to show that it’s happy and content. This type of licking is usually slow and gentle, and it may be accompanied by the horse making soft, low noises.
Showing Submission
Sometimes, a horse may lick you as a way to show submission. Horses, like many other animals, have a hierarchical system, and they may lick you as a way to show that they recognize you as the leader of the herd. This type of licking is usually accompanied by the horse standing still and lowering its head.
Picking Up Scent
In some cases, a horse may lick you as a way to pick up your scent. Horses have an excellent sense of smell and can pick up on subtle scents, and they may lick you to get a better sense of your smell. This type of licking is usually accompanied by the horse sniffing you and taking in your scent.
Sensing Stress
A horse may also lick you as a way to sense your stress levels. Horses are sensitive animals and can pick up on subtle changes in their owners’ emotions. If a horse senses that you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it may lick you as a way to provide comfort and show its support.
Showing Dominance
In some cases, a horse may lick you as a way to show dominance. Horses have a hierarchical system, and they may lick you as a way to assert themselves as the leader. This type of licking is usually accompanied by the horse standing tall and making loud noises.
What to Do If a Horse Licks You
It’s important to pay attention to how a horse is licking you, as it can provide clues as to why it’s licking you. If the horse is licking you gently and slowly, it’s likely a sign of affection or as a way to explore its environment. If the horse is licking you quickly or making loud noises, it’s likely a sign that it’s trying to show dominance or assert itself as the leader.
In either case, it’s important to stay calm and remain assertive. If the horse is licking you gently, it’s a sign that it trusts you and considers you part of its herd, so it’s important to be gentle and respectful. If the horse is licking you as a way to show dominance, it’s important to remain confident and assertive, as this will help the horse understand that you are the leader.
Conclusion
Horses communicate with us in a variety of ways, and licking is one of the most common ways a horse will communicate with its owners. The meaning behind a horse licking you can vary depending on the context and the individual horse, but in general, it’s usually interpreted as a sign of affection or as a way for the horse to tell you something.
It’s important to pay attention to how a horse is licking you and to remain calm and assertive. If a horse is licking you as a sign of affection, it’s important to be gentle and respectful. If a horse is licking you as a way to show dominance, it’s important to remain confident and assertive.
By understanding the various meanings behind a horse licking you and the proper ways to react, you can better understand and communicate with your horse.