Head-flicking/shaking is almost always the result of a diet-related disturbance to the bio-chemistry of the horse. It is a systemic problem which affects the trigeminal nerve, but the trigeminal nerve is not the cause. Head shaking is very much a management problem, not a horse problem.
Horses toss their heads for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are dental problems, physical ailments, biting bugs, improper bit or saddle fit, too much energy, or poor handling on part of the rider.
They nod to release endorphins when they are bored:
Horses toss their heads when they are bored or feeling stressed, as a way to release endorphins and alleviate their anxiety.
Eye irritation, inner and outer ear disease, dental pain and guttural pouch or sinus abnormalities may all cause your horse to display behaviours that could be perceived as head shaking.
Horses nod their heads as a signal of energy, excitement, or irritation. They also nod when bothered by ear infections and insects.
Headshaking is a behaviour displayed by horses, where the horse continuously shakes its head vertically and/or horizontally.
A horse that headbutts is often simply trying to connect with a human, but the action can also signal the horse's desire for control of a situation. Though headbutting can be harmless, horses are large and strong and headbutting can endanger human safety if carried too far.
Twitching is a method of restraining a horse for veterinary or other procedures, and involves tightly encircling the upper lip with a loop of rope (lip twitch) or twisting the ear (ear twitch).
Horses may stare at you when they want your attention. If you are distracted or out of reach, your horse may stare at you to get you to focus on them. If there's a barrier such as a fence between you and your horse, they may stare at you since they can't reach you to nudge you.
A horse in pain might also reduce his activity level, carry his head below the withers, display a fixed stare and rigid stance, and be reluctant to move, says Emanuela Dalla Costa, DVM, PhD, Dipl.
In an attempt to get the rider to loosen up their hold, the horse develops the habit of tossing his head to drag the reins through the rider's hands. Remember, horses learn from the release of pressure, not the pressure itself.
Most horses seem to enjoy companionship and attention from their riders, but some may find being ridden uncomfortable and even scary. It is up to the individual horse to decide whether they like it. There are things you can do as a rider to help your horse feel more comfortable while being ridden.
Horses pull these funny faces to direct scents in the air towards the olfactory glands, which are located at the end of their nasal passage. He's actually just trying to figure out what you smell like.
Horses can be disrespectful in many ways; here are the most common disrespectful behaviors when it comes to dealing with horses: Grazing While Being Led or Ridden. Bumping Into You. Dragging You or Walking Too Slow When Being Led.
A horse's head should be off limits to hitting, slapping, pinching or any other action that can cause fear or pain. To do so can cause a head shy horse and a horse that doesn't trust you.
The ears laid flat against the neck, head raised and the horse may lunge at you, whites of the eyes showing, and their mouth open showing their teeth. You should avoid approaching a horse from behind. If you do, they may warn you if they're angry and want you to stay away or go away.
Affection in Horse Terms
Kissing and hugging are human ideas of affection. Horses do “spar” (play fight) and bite at the lips, but that's even more of a reason not to kiss them there. Keep your horse's lips away from your lips. You don't want him to think you're playing and be bitten.
Typically, a horse bites someone as a sign of aggression. However, in some cases, a horse can bite you in a playful manner or even as a sign of affection. Although this can seem sweet at first, any type of biting should be immediately discouraged.
4- Many horses like to be rubbed on the neck, shoulder, hip, or on the chest. Some horses enjoy having their heads and ears rubbed. Horses often groom each other on the whither, so this would be a good place to try too.
Flapping consists of flat horse racing meetings run from April until September annually, meeting are held mainly in the Scottish borders in Hawick, Langholm and Selkirk with the exception of two race meetings, one held at the Mary mass festival Irvine in August and the other at Annan Dumfries and Galloway in September.