Discover 10 Common Reasons Horses Neigh

1. To Express Themselves 

One of the primary reasons that these animals make this noise is to express themselves. When horses neigh they can show how they’re currently feeling. The longer you’re around horses, the easier it is to tell one neigh from another. 

There are small nuances among this sound and as you hear the different expressions, you’ll be able to understand what a horse is trying to show.

2. It Serves as a Location Monitor

It’s incredibly common for wild animals to use sounds to locate others in their pack. Horses are similar in the way that they find other horses that have become separated from their herd. These animals can hear each other from about half a mile away. 

When they do hear another horse, they will likely respond using a similar sound. Mares are the most responsive, especially if the neigh is coming from their foal.

3. It’s How They Show Fear

People make a wide variety of sounds and expressions to show that they’re scared. When horses are experiencing fear, they will let out a high-pitched neigh that is similar to a whine. It’s important to observe the body language of the animal as well, as it can tell you just as much as the sounds they make.

If a horse is neighing out of anxiety, you may also notice their ears flicking, their tail tucked under their body, or excessive sweating.

4. Showcasing Their Confidence

On the opposite end of the spectrum, horses will make this sound to display how confident they are. When they make this noise and have their ears forward and tails lifted, they are showing off to other horses that they have all the confidence they need to stand their ground.

5. They Feel Constrained

If you hear a horse neighing constantly and they are in a stall, it can be a sign that they need more space. They may feel cooped up or have excessive energy that they need to release. Allowing the horse to roam around in an open field will result in a near-instant end to the neighing.

6. They’re in Pain

Another common reason a horse neighs is because they are in pain. It’s not uncommon for wild animals to hide any signs of pain until they simply can’t bear it anymore. Injuries, illnesses, and infections can all lead to a horse making a noise. 

If you notice the sound happening more often, it may be a sign to bring in a specialty vet to rule out any physical or mental health issues.

7. They Can’t Sleep

It is not normal for a horse to neigh at night. During this time they should be enjoying a deep sleep. If you find a horse neighing when the sun goes down, it may mean that the animal is struggling to get to sleep. 
Like humans, horses can suffer from a variety of sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy.

8. The Horse Feels Threatened

It can be intimidating to hear a horse making loud and long neighing noises. If this is suddenly happening and you are nearby, the animal likely feels threatened by something in their surroundings. 

This could be a wild animal, a strange sound, or another person.

9. It’s Mating Season

Another one of the most common reasons horses neigh is because it’s mating season. When it’s time for these animals to breed, they get a bit rambunctious, especially if they’re in heat. If they are kept in stalls, you may hear a horse neigh when it’s trying to break out to find a horse to mate with. 
In order to help keep them calm during the breeding season, it is ideal to keep horses of the same gender together.

10. It’s Time to Eat

The last of the common reasons horses nay is because they’re hungry. Typically, they only neigh when they are extremely hungry and are in need of sustenance. These animals are extremely aware of their eating schedule when kept as pets. 

Hearing horses neigh before mealtime is simply them trying to get your attention in order to get some food.