Topic: Tongues . . . . horse's in particular

[Tairaterces]

What is it with horse's tongues??

It seems like they are a secret appendage that positively has to be out of their mouths. And it seems especially so when a camera is pointed at them.

Is this their way of saying, "Hello there, glad you dropped by to see me" or is it a learned reaction that when they do it they know it gets a reaction of laughter, etc., which they enjoy??

I find it totally fascinating.

Tairaterces

[Lucy]

I always wondered about the ones who like having their tongues played with and pulled. I don't know if it's learned, either....but it only seems to occur to horses who enjoy human interaction. You never see horses pulling each other's tongues.

I did know one who would stand with his tounge sticking out just a little, as if he wanted it tugged....but when an unsupecting human came by and did just that - CHOMP! It's like he was fishing for fingers.

[skeenan]

I always wondered about the ones who like having their tongues played with and pulled.

Yes, I knew an OTTB that loved that game... he'd peek his tongue out & pull it in when you'd try to grab it... in the end, you'd be "shaking hands" with it... yuck!~ He was at a camp I went to years ago... he also would fall asleep to AC/DC (loud, too)... any other music, he would be antsy on the crossties! Go figure...!

[Tairaterces]

Here is a response from another forum:
From: Runninghoplite1

I have a buddy at Belmont that likes to stick his out and then twist it so the bottom side is on top and then bugs you until you rub it for him...if you don't he'll stick it against your cheek until you do!

And there's one in my friend's barn that folds his backwards inside his mouth and waits until you stick you fingers in one from each side and the sucks them in and won't let go...like that Chinese finger trap where you put one in either side and if you pull it tightens on them and you can't get them out!

They're both hysterical.


Tairaterces

[toadie]

A subject near and dear to my heart, this is precisely how "Toadie" got his name. He likes you to pull on his tongue and hangs it out a LOT when he's just standing around. I was worried he would do it while being ridden (dressage judges really frown on that LOL), but he doesn't.

[Lucy]

A subject near and dear to my heart, this is precisely how "Toadie" got his name. He likes you to pull on his tongue and hangs it out a LOT when he's just standing around. I was worried he would do it while being ridden (dressage judges really frown on that LOL), but he doesn't.

That actually happened to a friend of mine at a schooling show. The judge wrote "not the sort of 'expression' I had in mind" in the comments.

[Final Voyage]

(waves to Tairaterces) HI T!!!

"unsuspecting finger chomping" LOL, The only thing i could think of to explain why a horse would stick his tongue out would be an OTTB used to having his tongue tied down for racing. Horse sees person appear, horse thinks ..."stick out tongue or have it pulled out and be ready for a run".

This doesn't explain any other breed unless they are used to having their tongue tied down though. Maybe they learn tasty mints or carrot "coins" will be placed there. If only they could talk, the stories they'd tell us for sure.
I had a horse that would do this while being ridden. He was an old pony horse that lost his job when the track closed. At first i thought it was because the bit was uncomfortable or his teeth needed floated. Sadly he colicked, foundered, and died before I got to know him real well.

Thanks for the memories and laughs posted here.

[Inthe951]

I know the tongue hanging out of the corner of a horses mouth randomly seems to be an inherited trait. One that The stock breed horses frown upon. It almost seems to be a nervous or "when in thought" type reaction to situations.

I dont think the let me lick you or play with my tongue is the same type though. I have only had one horse that was this way and he was just a playful ham of a horse. He was orally fixated and loved anything and everything in his mouth. LOL

Take care

[louis finochio]

I always pay attention to the color of the tongue. A tongue that is purple or navy blue means the Tb is not moving his bowels regular or has a colic problem.

A Tb with a pink tongue is in super health as indicated by his tongue's color.

If a Tb has the former color of dark navy his general condition is down and take his temperature as fever might be present.

By checking their tongues color regular like the doctor does to you, You will be one step ahead of the rabbit.

[BJ]

(waves to Tairaterces) HI T!!!

"unsuspecting finger chomping" LOL, The only thing i could think of to explain why a horse would stick his tongue out would be an OTTB used to having his tongue tied down for racing. Horse sees person appear, horse thinks ..."stick out tongue or have it pulled out and be ready for a run".

This doesn't explain any other breed unless they are used to having their tongue tied down though. Maybe they learn tasty mints or carrot "coins" will be placed there. If only they could talk, the stories they'd tell us for sure.
I had a horse that would do this while being ridden. He was an old pony horse that lost his job when the track closed. At first i thought it was because the bit was uncomfortable or his teeth needed floated. Sadly he colicked, foundered, and died before I got to know him real well.

Thanks for the memories and laughs posted here.

A few good horses run/ran with their tongues flapping in the breeze...Bayakoa is one.

I love watching horses getting ready for their naps...they make the cutest faces with their tongues and mouths, in general

[Final Voyage]

Louis, I'm glad i took the time to read your post!!!

Since they can't "talk" the signs of how severe an illness are very important. I've always known to look for a sweating and the horse looking at his belly to indicate colic. This is the first i've heard to check the color of the tongue. Really i never thought of it. I've heard to do a pinch test of the neck skin for dehydration, a blood capillary refill test by pressing on the gums, but never ever have i heard to check the color of the tongue!!!

and i would always like to be ahead of the problem that too far behind it!! Colic is one thing that can't be treated too soon in my book.