What Is Peanut Rolling In Horses?

What Actually Is Peanut Rolling In Horses?

Peanut Rolling in horses is a behavior where the horse moves with its head low to the ground. The term peanut rolling means the horse has its head that low down to the floor it could hypothetically roll a peanut along the ground.

This video shows a horse peanut rolling.

What Does Peanut Rolling In Horses Mean?

This behavior is often seen as a sign of submission or fear, as the horse is displaying a submissive position by exposing its underbelly to potential predators.

However, peanut rolling can also be seen as a playful behavior, often seen in young horses. In this case, the horse is just expressing its natural curiosity and desire to explore.

Peanut rolling can also be seen in horses who are feeling stressed or anxious. In this case, the horse is attempting to cope with the stress, or to show the source of the stress that it is not a threat.

Peanut rolling could also be a sign of spine issues in horses.

It is important to note that peanut rolling should not be interpreted as a sign of aggression, but rather as a sign of fear or submission. If a horse is displaying this behavior, it is important to take note of the context and to provide the horse with a safe and secure environment.

Dangers Of Peanut Rolling In Horses

When a horse peanut rolls it can pose a variety of risks to its health and safety. First and foremost, the low head position can cause the horse to trip or stumble more easily, increasing the risk of injury. It can also cause the horse to be less aware of its surroundings, making it more likely to spook and run away. Peanut rolling can also cause the horse to have trouble seeing obstacles in its path, leading to increased risk of collision.

In addition to the risks posed to the horse’s safety, a horse moving with its head too low to the ground can also cause a number of physical issues. The low head position can cause the horse’s back to become weak and stiff, leading to pain and further injury.

It can also cause the horse to struggle to breathe properly, leading to respiratory distress. Lastly, the low head position can cause the horse’s digestive system to become inefficient, leading to colic. For more information on Colic follow this link.

How To Stop A Horse Peanut Rolling

The first step in stopping a horse from moving with its head too close to the ground is to apply a direct rein action. This means pulling the reins back firmly and evenly in a constant motion to get the horse to stop. It is important to keep the hands still and to not pull the reins too hard or too suddenly as this can cause the horse to become unbalanced and could lead to further issues.

Once the horse has stopped, its head should be slowly raised and the pressure from the reins released. It is important to communicate clearly with the horse, speaking calmly and reassuringly so that the horse understands that it is safe to raise its head. Finally, it is important to maintain control of the horse, ensuring that its head does not drop back down too quickly.

SEE ALSO : How Far Can A Horse Travel In A Day?

Peanut Rolling In Horses – Final Thoughts

If you are worried that your horse may be displaying peanut rolling as a sign of stress or anxiety, it is important to consult a veterinarian or equine behavior specialist. They can help you determine the cause of the behavior and offer strategies to help your horse cope with the stress in a healthy and productive way.