Why Does a Horse Whinny?

Learn about equine vocalization and how horses might or might not use whinnies to communicate.

Posted by Nancy Diehl, VMD, MS | Dec 25, 2014 | Behavior, Behavior & Handling, Commentary, Equine Behavior Commentary Series

Q: Why does a horse whinny or neigh?

A: Last week I described the nicker as a quiet, affiliative vocalization. The whinny, or neigh, is a louder, longer call. The whinny is defined in “The Equid Ethogram” by animal behaviorist Sue McDonnell, PhD, as a “loud, prolonged call … beginning high pitched and ending lower pitched. The head is elevated and the mouth slightly opened.”

Because it is loud and carries over a distance, the whinny seems to be a means of seeking social cont

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About The Author

Nancy Diehl, VMD, MS

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.