Last Updated on April 13, 2022
Have you ever wondered what does it mean when a horse nudges you with his nose? As we all know, horses cannot talk, so they will try to communicate with us in many different ways! So what are they trying to say when they give you a nudge with their muzzle? Let’s find out!
What Does It Mean When A Horse Nudges You With His Nose?
When a horse nudges you with his nose, it can be cute at first, but sometimes this behavior can get quite dangerous! Horses sometimes forget that they are far bigger than us, and can knock us over with even a gentle head rub. Let’s have a look at what does it mean when a horse nudges you with his nose!
Seeking Attention And Affection
Horses love company and attention and can become easily bored. Sometimes they will give us a nudge with their nose when they want to be stroked and fussed, or are feeling playful. They may nudge you with their muzzle when you are grooming them, showing that they are enjoying the sensation of being groomed.
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Looking For Treats
Horses are clever creatures, and will soon figure out that we tend to hide tasty treats in the pockets of our clothing! They may be able to smell them, or are simply just expecting a treat.
This can be cute at first, but if the horse learns that he gets a treat when he nudges you with his nose, he may start to do it all the time. This can turn a sweet habit into something quite painful and potentially dangerous.
Itching – What Does It Mean When A Horse Nudges You With His Nose
We all know that feeling when we just can’t scratch that itch! Horses will rub their noses on anything convenient when they feel itchy, and this may well be a gatepost, stable door, or even a person!
Pushing You Away
If a horse is feeling uncomfortable with a situation, he might try to push you out of the way. This can be a common problem when you are carrying out tasks such as administering medication, giving dewormers or brushing the face of the horse. They will use their nose to physically nudge the person away, preventing you from doing what you were trying to do.
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Bargy Behavior – What Does It Mean When A Horse Nudges You With His Nose
Some horses can become bargy, pushing past people to get away from an undesirable situation. To do this, he might use his nose to push you away. This is often seen as ‘naughty’ behavior, but in fact it is the only way the horse has to tell us that he doesn’t like something.
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Should You Stop Your Horse Nudging You With His Nose?
While this nose nudging might be cute at first, it can get quite painful and even dangerous. The head of a horse is very large and heavy, and could injure someone if they nudge too hard.
Some gentle nudging is absolutely fine, and it is a nice way for your horse to communicate with you. But if things start to get a bit boisterous, you need to find a way to discourage this behavior.
If your horse is nudging you with his head to get something he wants, such as a treat, itch, or attention, it is important not to reward this behavior by giving him what he wants. Use a vocal command to tell him ‘no’ or ‘stop’, and move out of range so he cannot nudge you. Once he has stopped attempting to nudge you with his nose, you can give him a reward.
For horses that use their heads to push people out of the way, you will need to do some groundwork training. Take the horse back to basics, and teach them to respect the personal space of people around them.
Groundwork can be a great way to not only discourage unwanted habits but also for you to bond with your horse and develop a rapport. To stop this behavior, you will need to figure out what the horse dislikes or is trying to get away from and then work with him to solve the problem.
Summary – What Does It Mean When A Horse Nudges You With His Nose?
So, as we have learned, there are several reasons why a horse might nudge you with his nose. He might be looking for attention or need you to scratch an itchy spot, or he might be being bargy and boisterous. It can be very cute when a horse nudges you with his nose, but try not to encourage this behavior as it can get quite rough and painful.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on what does it mean when a horse nudges you with his nose! Does your horse like to show how much he likes you by nudging you with his nose? Or maybe you know a horse who loves to nibble at your pockets in search of treats? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
How Do You Tell If A Horse Is Comfortable With You?
If a horse is comfortable with you, he will be relaxed and calm when you are around. Look for signs such as relaxed ears, a drooping lower lip, and gently swishing tail.
How Does A Horse Show Affection?
Horses show affection vocally, by making a sound through their nostrils called a 'nicker'. This is a very low, quiet sound, that sounds a little bit like a baby's chuckle. He will normally do this when you approach him, particularly if he is expecting food!
What’s It Mean When A Horse Nudges You?
When a horse nudges you, he is either trying to get your attention or trying to move you out of the way. Try to discourage your horse from doing this, or he may get too rough and knock you over.
Why Does My Horse Bump Me With His Nose?
There are many reasons why your horse might bump you with his nose. He could be trying to groom you, in the same way that horses will mutually groom each other in the herd. Try giving the area behind his withers a good scratch and see if he wiggles his top lip and bumps you with his nose - if he does, then he is enjoying what you are doing!
Kate Chalmers is a qualified veterinary nurse who has specialized in horse care for the vast majority of her career. She has been around horses since she was a child, starting out riding ponies and helping out at the local stables before going on to college to study Horse Care & Management. She has backed and trained many horses during her lifetime and competed in various equestrian sports at different levels.
After Kate qualified as a veterinary nurse, she provided nursing care to the patients of a large equine veterinary hospital for many years. She then went on to teach horse care and veterinary nursing at one of the top colleges in the country. This has led to an in-depth knowledge of the care needs of horses and their various medical ailments, as well as a life-long passion for educating horse owners on how to provide the best possible care for their four-legged friends.
Kate Chalmers BSc (Hons) CVN, Dip AVN (Equine) Dip HE CVN EVN VN A1 PGCE
