Why does a horse stamp its foot

They don't have hands, thumbs or the ability to talk, so a simple gesture can be interpreted in a variety of ways. A horse can stomp his foot for a number of reasons, and it might or might not mean anything of any real importance. Horses can't use hands to brush flies and other bugs away from their skin. It is completely normal for a horse to stomp his hoof to shake flies off his leg. He also removes flies by swishing his tail against his legs and rubbing his legs with his face.

Fly-related stomping can often be significantly reduced by spraying your horse with a good quality fly spray. Your horse might have learned that stomping is a good way to get your attention.

Does your horse stomp at the gate so you will bring him in or out first? Your horse might stomp if his personality is a bit short of patience. Maybe he only delights in standing still for 5 nanoseconds and then he must be moving. This can turn into a vice-like situation, much like pawing. Which, incidentally, can also be an example of horses training humans. Maybe your horse saw a spider. This is oftentimes accompanied by a loud squeal.

Horses in pain will often roll, sometimes they stomp also. Some physical conditions might result in your horse stomping. Stringhalt is likely one that you have seen, at some point. Horse Care. Barns and Fencing. Conformation Clinic. Hoof Care. Build Confidence. Horse Shopping. Rider Fitness. Stable Management. Western Horse Life. Horse Humor. Horses We'd Like to Own. My Collections. You Said It. Your Stories. News and Events. The Thinking Rider. The Safe Start.

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Summary Horses usually stomp when there is something irritating their skin, usually on the lower limbs. The most common cause is insects, but irritating substances placed on the skin, or generalized pain can cause this behavior too. Draft breeds are prone to Chorioptes mites mange , that live in the feathers of the lower limbs.