Nuzzle the Muzzle!
We all love 'em! So warm and soft and FUZZY!
What does this adorable part of our horse do for our horse?
The muzzle of your horse is one of the most important body parts. Why? Because it is the most sensitive area and sorts thru everything he or she will be putting into their mouth. If you have ever sat and watched your horse graze, they are very good at sorting out what goes in and what doesn't.
They are also a big part of your horses way of communicating.
The muzzle also has super sensitive whiskers that are attached to the muzzle that help him feel his way. And, there’s more to whiskers than you would think. They are called vibrissae. They are different from body hair both and their purpose is different too. According to Wikipedia, whiskers in animals are required for:
Object localization
Orienting of the snout
Detection of movement
Texture discrimination
Shape discrimination
Exploration
Thigmotaxis (movement in response to a stimulus)
Locomotion
Maintenance of equilibrium
The Muzzle is your "Eye's to their Feelings"
A soft lower lip or drooping lower lip says your horse is relaxing or even asleep. He may be completely tuned out so let him know you are there by speaking to him.
Lip licking or gentle mouth chewing is good news. This is a good sign when you are training him. It shows he's relaxed and thinking, and that means he's learning. Clinton Anderson always describes it as they are "licking their brain". Makes me laugh but it is so true.
Tight or pinched muzzle. This is a sign you need to pay strict attention to. Jennifer Williams, PhD describes "tension around the mouth tells you your horse is worried, stressed or scared. When you notice his muzzle tighten, take action to either remove your horse from the situation or help him work through the stress or fear so he won't have to resort to "louder" messages like biting or running away." Two weeks ago I was leaving the barn after teaching and I was on my way to say goodnight to my guy. As soon as I saw him I knew I had a problem as he was holding his muzzle oddly. Had a funny look in his eye too. He was not choking in the classic sense but did have something stuck. The video helped my vet advise me and within a half and hour he was all happily sorted out.
Every part of your horses body is telling you something. Be that owner, leaser and/or rider who is always looking for horse body language as that is the only language the horse has and it is extremely important!! He is counting on you to be paying attention!!