Having a horse with its tongue out can be a sign of many things. It may be completely normal behavior or it could be a sign that something is wrong with the horse. It’s important to understand why horses stick their tongues out and what it means so you can take appropriate action if needed.
Signs of Normal Behavior
When a horse has its tongue out, it can be a sign of normal behavior. A horse’s tongue is incredibly sensitive and they may stick it out to investigate their surroundings. Horses may also stick their tongues out as a way to express pleasure or as a sign of relaxation.
Relaxation: If your horse is happily grazing and their tongue is sticking out, they are likely feeling relaxed.
Exploring: If your horse is using its tongue to explore its environment, it’s likely feeling curious and engaged.
Enjoyment: If your horse is sticking its tongue out while being ridden, it may be a sign that they’re having a good time.
Signs of Stress or Discomfort
In some cases, a horse sticking its tongue out can be a sign of stress or discomfort. If your horse is showing other signs of stress, such as pinned ears, raised hackles, or excessive sweating, it’s likely that sticking its tongue out is a sign of distress.
Pain: If your horse is sticking its tongue out due to pain, it’s important to take them to a vet for a checkup.
Fear: If your horse is exhibiting signs of fear, such as wide eyes, trembling, and a rapidly flicking tongue, it’s likely that they are feeling scared.
Anxiety: If your horse is displaying signs of anxiety, such as pacing, pawing the ground, and licking its lips, it’s likely that their tongue is sticking out due to stress.
Signs of Illness
In some cases, a horse sticking its tongue out can be a sign of an underlying illness. If your horse is displaying other signs of illness, such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, or a fever, it’s important to take them to a vet for a checkup.
Lameness: If your horse is limping and their tongue is sticking out, it’s likely that they are in pain due to lameness.
Respiratory Issues: If your horse is having difficulty breathing and their tongue is sticking out, they may be suffering from a respiratory illness.
Gastrointestinal Issues: If your horse is exhibiting signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea or colic, and their tongue is sticking out, it’s likely a sign of an underlying illness.
Signs of Old Age
As horses age, their tongues may become weak and they may have difficulty keeping them in their mouths. If your horse is exhibiting signs of old age, such as gray hair, stiffness, and slower movement, it’s likely that their tongue is sticking out due to age-related issues.
Signs of Teething
Young horses may stick their tongues out as a sign of teething. If your horse is a foal or a yearling and their tongue is sticking out, they may be teething and it’s likely that they are feeling discomfort.
Signs of Poor Saddlery
If your horse is exhibiting signs of poor saddlery, such as rubbing marks on their neck or withers, they may be sticking their tongue out due to pain. Poorly fitted saddles can cause discomfort and pressure on the horse’s mouth, resulting in a horse sticking its tongue out.
Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies
If your horse is not getting the proper nutrition, they may be sticking their tongue out due to a deficiency. Horses need a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy and if they are not getting enough, it can lead to a variety of problems, including a horse sticking its tongue out.
Signs of Dental Issues
Horses can suffer from a variety of dental issues, such as overbites, underbites, and missing teeth. If your horse is experiencing dental pain, they may be sticking their tongue out in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
Signs of Heat Stress
In hot weather, horses may stick their tongues out as a sign of heat stress. If your horse is exhibiting signs of heat stress, such as excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and lethargy, it’s important to take them to a cool place as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A horse sticking its tongue out can be a sign of many things. It may be a sign of normal behavior, stress, discomfort, an underlying illness, old age, teething, poor saddlery, nutritional deficiencies, dental issues, or heat stress. It’s important to observe your horse’s behavior and take appropriate action if needed.