Why Do Horses Roll?

Why do horses roll?

Horses roll for several natural and beneficial reasons, though it is important to distinguish these behaviors from signs of illness.

Natural Reasons for Rolling

• Grooming: Rolling helps horses remove loose hair, dirt, and parasites, which is vital for maintaining healthy skin.¹
• Relief: It provides a way to soothe itching from insect bites or skin irritation.¹
• Temperature Regulation: By coating themselves in dirt or mud, horses create a protective layer against the sun and insects, or they may roll to dry off after being wet.¹
• Physical Comfort: Rolling allows horses to stretch, relieve muscle tension after exercise, and express contentment.¹
• Social Bonding: In herds, horses may roll in the same locations to strengthen social connections.¹

A Note on Health

While rolling is often a sign of comfort, it can also be a symptom of colic, a serious condition involving abdominal pain. If a horse is repeatedly rolling, kicking at its abdomen, or pawing the ground, it may be experiencing a digestive emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.²

How can you tell the difference between a healthy roll and signs of colic?

Distinguishing between a healthy roll and the dangerous abdominal pain of colic is critical for a horse’s well-being.

Healthy Rolling

A healthy roll is typically a relaxed, purposeful behavior. After rolling, a horse will usually stand up, shake its body vigorously, and appear visibly comfortable and content. This behavior is often associated with grooming, cooling off, or stretching after exercise.²

Signs of Colic

In contrast, rolling associated with colic is a symptom of severe abdominal distress. You should be concerned if the rolling is accompanied by the following behaviors:

• Persistent or Violent Rolling: The horse may roll repeatedly or throw itself down violently.¹
• Abdominal Focus: The horse frequently kicks at its abdomen or looks back at its flanks.¹
• Restlessness: Pawing the ground persistently is a common indicator of pain.¹

If a horse exhibits these signs, it is experiencing a medical emergency. Because colic can be fatal, you should contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your horse is in pain rather than simply grooming or relaxing.¹

What are other common grooming behaviors in horses?

Beyond rolling, horses engage in several other grooming behaviors to maintain their hygiene and social structure.

Mutual Grooming

One of the most significant social grooming behaviors is mutual grooming. In this practice, two horses stand side-by-side, facing in opposite directions. They groom one another by nibbling at the base of the neck and the root of the tail. This behavior is not only functional for cleaning hard-to-reach areas but also serves to strengthen social bonds within the herd.¹

Other Social Interactions

While not strictly grooming, other behaviors often accompany these interactions:

• Nose-to-Nose Contact: Horses frequently use nose-to-nose contact as a standard greeting method.¹
• Body Rubbing: Similar to other perissodactyls, horses may rub their bodies against one another or against objects to scratch areas they cannot reach themselves.¹

These behaviors are essential for the physical health of the animal and the maintenance of stable social relationships within the group.³¹

How do horses communicate with each other in a herd?

Horses communicate within a herd using a combination of vocalizations, facial expressions, and social behaviors. These methods allow them to maintain group cohesion, express emotions, and establish social hierarchies.

Vocalizations

Horses utilize a variety of sounds to convey information to other members of their group. While specific calls vary by species, the horse is well known for its whinny, which serves to maintain contact between individuals. Other vocalizations, such as snorts or squeals, are often used to signal alarm, satisfaction, or distress.⁴

Facial Expressions

Visual communication through facial expressions is a primary way horses signal their intentions and social status:

• Greeting: Often characterized by an open mouth and ears held forward.⁴
• Threat: Typically involves an open mouth with ears pinned back.⁴
• Submission: Indicated by an open mouth with nibbling movements and ears held down.⁴

Social and Physical Interaction

Beyond signals, physical interaction plays a vital role in herd communication. Mutual grooming—where horses stand side-by-side and nibble at each other’s necks and tails—is a key behavior that strengthens social bonds. Additionally, horses may roll in the same locations as other herd members, a practice that helps reinforce their social connections.³⁵