Why Do Horses Nicker?
- Posted by Nancy Diehl, VMD, MS

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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Written by:
Nancy Diehl, VMD, MS
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2 Responses
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.
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.