Why Do Horses Nicker?

Dr. Nancy Diehl explains what we know—and don’t know—about a horse’s nicker.
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Why Do Horses Nicker?
Horses tend to rely more on visual and other cues than on vocalizations. It's been suggested that vocalizations in horses are not likely to be transmitting very specific information but rather more likely providing social cues. | Photo: Thinkstock

Q: Why do horses nicker?

—Via e-mail

A: Vocalizations are one of many means of social communication among horses. Horses tend to rely more on visual and other cues than on vocalizations. Vocalizations out of context are probably less informative or useful to the receiver horse without other meaningful visual or olfactory cues. It’s been suggested that vocalizations in horses are not likely to be transmitting very specific information but rather more likely providing social cues. Much more research could certainly be done, as the little we do know is so interesting

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Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Nancy Diehl completed a master’s degree in animal science while studying stallion sexual behavior. Later, she completed a residency in large animal internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center and worked in equine practices in Missouri and Pennsylvania. Diehl also spent six years on faculty at Penn State, where she taught equine science and behavior courses and advised graduate students completing equine behavior research. Additionally, Diehl has co-authored scientific papers on stallion behavior, early intensive handling of foals, and feral horse contraception. Currently she is a practicing veterinarian in central Pennsylvania.

2 Responses

  1. Very interesting, thank you. My Arabian mare usually nickers when I am preparing to dismount (halting, gathering reins in left hand, shifting weight, etc). Sort of like ” Well, I’m happy that we are done here.” Makes me chuckle every time.

  2. I always found a nicker to be associated with a pleasant situation. Whether it’s feeding time, a foal, a stallion, a herdmate, or a favorite or familiar human. It doesn’t matter the situation, it’s about whether they like it or not. Humans smile, horses nicker.

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