What Does it Mean When a Horse Lips You?

Horses can be incredibly charming and engaging animals. Horses use body language to communicate, and one way that a horse might attempt to talk to you is when it licks or “grooms” itself, a behaviour known as “lipping”. But what does it mean when a horse lips you?

What is Lipping?

Lipping, or lip licking, is when a horse curls its tongue and lips before bringing them back into its mouth. It is thought to be a form of self-grooming, similar to cats cleaning themselves. Some horses might even use their lips to pick at pieces of hay or grass that are stuck on their coat, as a way of cleaning away dirt or debris. A horse might also use lipping as a way to soothe itself.

Lipping and Affection

Some horses also use lipping as a form of affection. When a horse licks you, it might be because it trusts you and enjoys your company. Lipping can be seen as the horse’s way of saying “hello”, and is often accompanied by friendly horse noises like nickering or blowing. If a horse licks someone, they should take that as a sign that the horse is experiencing positive emotions and that it is comfortable in their presence.

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Signs of Discomfort

However, it’s important to remember that lipping can be a sign of either positive or negative emotions. If a horse is feeling uneasy or scared, it could also start to lip as a way of calming itself. If the lipping is accompanied by other signs of discomfort, like shallow breathing, tense muscles, or swishing tail, then the horse is likely feeling anxious and it’s important to give it time to relax.

SEE ALSO : Quirky Or Distressed? Why Horses Flap Their Lips

Practical Tips for Dealing with Lipping

It’s important to be aware that some horses may be more prone to lipping than others. If a horse is regularly lipping, then it’s important to be aware of the horse’s body language and to take appropriate action. For example, if the horse is starting to feel overwhelmed, take a break and give them some time to relax before continuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lipping?

Lipping is when a horse curls its tongue and lips before bringing them back into its mouth. It is thought to be a form of self-grooming, similar to cats cleaning themselves. Some horses might also use their lips to pick at pieces of hay or grass that are stuck on their coat, as a way of cleaning away dirt or debris.

What does it mean when a horse licks you?

When a horse licks you, it might be because it trusts you and enjoys your company. Lipping can be seen as the horse’s way of saying “hello”, and is often accompanied by friendly horse noises like nickering or blowing. If a horse licks someone, they should take that as a sign that the horse is experiencing positive emotions and that it is comfortable in their presence.

What are some practical tips for dealing with lipping?

If a horse is regularly lipping, then it’s important to be aware of the horse’s body language and to take appropriate action. For example, if the horse is starting to feel overwhelmed, take a break and give them some time to relax before continuing. It’s also important to note that some horses may be more prone to lipping than others, and to be responsive to their needs in order to ensure a positive relationship with the horse.

Conclusion

Lipping is a form of communication that horses use to show emotions. It can be seen as a sign of affection, but it can also be a sign of discomfort. It’s important to be aware of when a horse is lipping and to be responsive to their needs, as this will help to ensure a positive, comfortable relationship with the horse.