Horses are majestic creatures, capable of doing a variety of activities. One of the most interesting things about horses is their habit of having their tongues hang out. You may have seen horses while out on a ride, with their tongues hanging out the sides of their mouths. But why do horses do this? This article will answer that question and explore the reasons why horses’ tongues hang out.
What is the Anatomy of a Horse’s Tongue?
Before we can understand why horses’ tongues hang out, let’s take a look at the anatomy of a horse’s tongue. Horses’ tongues are made up of several parts: the tip, the mandible, the papillae, and the frenulum. The tip is the part that’s usually visible outside the horse’s mouth. It’s the softest part of the tongue and is used for tasting and manipulating food. The mandible is the lower jawbone. It helps the horse move its tongue and assists in the chewing process. The papillae are the small bumps on the horse’s tongue that help it identify different tastes. Finally, the frenulum is the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.
Why Do Horses Stick Out Their Tongues?
Now that we understand the anatomy of a horse’s tongue, let’s dive into the reasons why horses stick out their tongues.
Evolutionary Advantage
One theory is that horses evolved to stick out their tongues as an evolutionary advantage. It’s believed that horses developed the habit to help them avoid overheating. Sticking out their tongues helps horses cool down by allowing them to quickly pant and dispel heat from the back of their throats. Additionally, sticking out their tongues may help horses quickly identify and avoid dangerous plants, as their tongues can sense different levels of bitterness.
Sign of Appeasement
Another theory is that horses stick out their tongues as a sign of appeasement. Horses may stick out their tongues as a way of showing that they don’t mean any harm. This is especially true when horses are around people they don’t know.
To Show Affection
Some horses may also stick out their tongues to show affection. Horses are social animals and they may use their tongues to show that they’re enjoying the company of another horse or person.
Habit
Sticking out their tongues also may just be a habit for some horses. Horses are creatures of habit and may stick out their tongues simply because it’s a behavior they’ve developed over time.
Stress
Sticking out their tongues may also be a sign of stress for some horses. Horses may stick out their tongues when they’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
Pain
Finally, horses may stick out their tongues when they’re in pain. If a horse is in pain, it may stick out its tongue as a way of dealing with the discomfort.
Is it Normal for Horses to Stick Out Their Tongues?
Yes, it’s perfectly normal for horses to stick out their tongues. As we’ve seen, there are several reasons why horses may do this. Whether it’s to cool down, show affection, or just as a habit, sticking out their tongues is a behavior that is natural for horses.
Should You Be Concerned if Your Horse Sticks Out Its Tongue?
If your horse is sticking out its tongue, you should monitor the behavior to make sure it’s not a sign of stress or pain. If you notice that your horse is sticking out its tongue more often than usual, or if it’s exhibiting other signs of stress or pain, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
How Can You Help Your Horse if it Sticks Out its Tongue Often?
If your horse is sticking out its tongue often, there are some things you can do to help. First, make sure your horse’s environment is as stress-free as possible. This means giving your horse plenty of space to roam, ensuring its diet is balanced, and providing lots of mental stimulation. Additionally, make sure your horse is getting enough exercise to help keep it healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts
Horses’ tongues are fascinating organs and there are many reasons why they stick out their tongues. From an evolutionary advantage to a sign of appeasement, horses may stick out their tongues for a variety of reasons. While it’s perfectly normal for horses to stick out their tongues, it’s important to monitor the behavior to make sure it’s not a sign of stress or pain. By providing your horse with a stress-free environment and ample exercise, you can help ensure its overall health and happiness.