Licking and chewing behavior reflects an autonomic nervous tone change, such as from pain, fear, or confusion to an ordinary maintenance activity. | Photo: iStock

Q.What does “licking and chewing” in horses really mean? Submission? Processing? Relaxing?

—Lisa, California

A.Licking and chewing behavior is probably one of the most misunderstood horse behaviors. It simply reflects a change in autonomic nervous system tone that results in salivation that stimulates licking, chewing, and sometimes a big swallow. And that can happen in a number of situations following a threat or disturbance of some