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If you owned a horse for a couple of years, you’ve probably seen him rolling around on the ground every now and then. The reasons behind this behavior might not always be obvious, as some horses will roll as a response to a certain stimulus, while others will do it spontaneously just because they feel like it. So, why do horses roll? And is rolling on the ground a reason for concern?<\/p>\n
It is completely normal for a horse to roll on the ground. Many of the reasons behind rolling are nothing to be concerned about. These include relieving some stress, assessing dominance, communicating with other horses, or scratching an itch. Some horses will roll just as a way to express their happiness. However, some will do it because they feel discomfort, whether we’re talking about an illness or an injury. The most common reason why horses roll on the ground is that it feels good and they like doing it.<\/strong><\/p>\n Let’s have a look at each of these reasons individually and figure out why horses feel the need to roll in order to express them.<\/p>\n It might sound a bit odd at first: why would a horse need to roll on the ground in order to display dominance? Usually, when other animals do it, it is regarded as a sign of submission (particularly in dogs and wolves). For horses, whenever they find themselves in a new herd, dominant ones will find a specific spot to roll in and they will make sure that they are the last ones to roll there.<\/p>\n In short, a dominant horse will be the last one to enjoy rolling in its favorite spot. How does this establish their dominance over other horses? Because they were the last ones to roll in that spot, their scent is now the strongest. By rolling in that spot, the horse has marked its territory for the entire herd to see, and smell.<\/p>\n We’ve already established that rolling on the ground can serve to establish social dominance in a herd, but what about other forms of communication? Sometimes, horses will roll in order to get their message across to other horses. Again, by rolling on the ground, the horse will leave its scent on that particular patch of grass or dirt.<\/p>\n Other horses that come into contact with that patch of grass will capture the scent and will be able to learn quite a bit from it. For instance, just by smelling another horse, an equine can determine its age and gender. If you introduce a horse to a new herd, that horse might roll around a bit more than usual in an attempt to spread its scent in many different locations. This way, it makes its introduction to the herd.<\/p>\n A horse might also roll on the ground for more practical, simple reasons. A horse can’t do much to scratch an itch apart from rolling on the ground, which is why this is their go-to method for it. Other animals such as cows will rub their backs against tree trunks or other solid objects in order to scratch an itch. Horses are a bit more nimble, which is why they prefer rolling.<\/p>\n The causes of itching are plenty: insect bites, too much sweat, skin conditions, or unhealthy grooming products. It can be difficult to watch as your horse rolls around in the dirt right after you spent a considerable amount of time grooming and cleaning it. If that happens often, try to figure out what might cause it to roll this much. It might be itchy for some reason, or it might have a serious skin condition.<\/p>\n Sometimes, tack can cause irritation of the horse’s skin. In the warmer months, tack can cause irritations and excess sweat. Horses are more prone to roll around after a workout or after they were ridden for an extensive period of time. It’s always important to make sure that your horse’s tack fits properly. Take the proper measurements and make sure that your horse is comfortable with your choice of tack.<\/p>\n Like most animals, horses get thicker and warmer winter coats to help them cope with the low temperatures of the cold season. However, horses get rid of this excess hair in springtime. The shedding process is not a comfortable one, as it comes with a fair deal of itching and sweating.<\/p>\nHorses roll to assert their dominance and social status.<\/h3>\n
Horses roll as a means of communication.<\/h3>\n
Scratching and relieving irritation.<\/h3>\n
Shedding their winter coats.<\/h3>\n
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