We typically think of horses as majestic, graceful creatures. So seeing one rolling on the floor might go against our preconceived notions about these powerful animals. Are they trying to be funny or is there more to it than just being a quirky habit? Why do horses roll?
No doubt, seeing your trusty steed squirming on the dirt might have you reeling with questions. But don’t worry – it’s all natural behavior. Here’s what you need to know about why horses roll.
Why Do Horses Roll on the Ground?
According to equine experts, horse rolling is completely natural, normal, and healthy behavior. But there’s more than one reason why your horse might find it necessary to head down to the ground.
Irritation or Itchiness
If you’ve ever had an itch that needed to be scratched, then you can sort of understand why horses go as far as rolling in the dirt to soothe irritation. Without any hands or appendages to reach over and scratch an itchy back, horses have to get creative to relieve irritation.
So you’ll notice that your horse probably rolls around in the dirt after you remove all of their tack. Having all sorts of accessories and equipment pressing against your skin for hours a day can cause irritation – the same way an embedded underwear garter might make your waist all itchy.
If your horse’s tack fits properly, they might not find the need to roll around on the ground. So if it seems that your horse spends a lot of time getting rid of irritation especially after removing their accessories, you might want to double check the fit.
Shedding
In places where temperatures drop during the winter, a horse may grow a thicker coat. But as the seasons change and temperatures begin to rise once more, your horse will again adapt to the shifting weather and shed the winter fur.
Most of the time however, that coat won’t just slough off on its own. As the individual hairs fall away, patches can get left behind. And while a loving horse owner will usually find time to brush away the fall out, some horses just can’t wait until grooming time to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling.
Their solution? To roll around on the dirt, of course. The same logic applies to a horse that’s wet with sweat, or a horse that just took a bath. With moisture trapped in their fur, a horse may roll around in the dirt to get rid of that sticky, uncomfortable feeling.
Asserting Dominance
Horses (like every other animal) can’t talk. So to communicate with other horses, they’ll use a variety of behaviors, gestures, and even pheromones that tell others around them what’s up.
In instances where a male horse might want to assert dominance, it will roll around in the dirt especially in a place that it identifies as its territory. This behavior leaves their scent in the area, telling other horses who’s boss. In a lot of ways, it’s similar to dogs peeing on something they want to claim as their territory.
Communicating and Socializing
A lot of horses roll in the dirt to introduce themselves to new acquaintances. Rolling around leaves a scent in the area. By doing this, a horse kind of leaves its calling card, letting others know who they are and that they’re not a threat.
In some cases, horses might also roll around as a communal activity. Horses tend to roll when they feel comfortable and safe. A horse that feels threatened won’t risk its security by rolling around in the dirt. So some horses will get together to roll around in a designated rolling spot to demonstrate their comfort with one another.
Muscle Pain and Fatigue
Horses need regular exercise to stay healthy and strong. But what most horse owners don’t realize is that despite their sheer power, horses also experience significant muscle pain and soreness after physical activity.
If a horse doesn’t get appropriate time to cool down after exercising, their muscles might feel tense and sore. So to relieve the tension, they’ll roll around in the dirt to give themselves a DIY massage.
While this might work to relieve their muscle pain, there are things you can do to help soothe your animal. For instance, spending the same amount of time cooling down after an exercise as you spend warming up can help prevent soreness and pain after taxing, physical activity.
When Does Horse Rolling Become a Problem?
Horses that don’t receive proper nutrition, exercise, and care may demonstrate signs of stress. Things like chewing on wood and tooth grinding all point to anxiety and stress that makes a horse feel uncomfortable or unsettled.
While rolling definitely isn’t a sign of stress in and of itself, there are situations when it might point to stress. If your horse rolls too frequently without reason, and if they appear to be in distress, then the rolling behavior might be the result of unmet needs or underlying health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Rolling
It’s always fun to learn something new about our beloved horses. And while some of the stuff above might already give you some clarity about horse rolling behavior, there are probably still a bunch of other questions on your mind.
Don’t worry though – you’re not alone. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that horse owners and enthusiasts typically have about horse rolling, and the answers for each one.
Is it bad for a horse to roll?
No, horse rolling is perfectly normal, healthy behavior. It only becomes a problem when accompanied by other maladaptive behaviors and signs of stress and anxiety.
Is horse rolling contagious?
Apparently, it could be. You’ll notice that when one horse rolls, others around it might follow along. Scientists don’t really have an explanation for it, but speculate that horses rolling can be comparable to people yawning.
Another reason why horses might all roll at the same time is if a specific area on the ranch has good terrain for rolling. Certain types of ground feel better on the horse’s skin, so you might notice that a group of horses could have a designated rolling spot where they converge to get a do-it-yourself massage.
Why do horses roll after eating?
Like a good ol’ stretch after a satisfying meal, horses may also roll on the ground as a sign of satisfaction after eating. In some cases, colic that results from a poorly formulated meal might also give them reason to roll around after gobbling down their food.
Related: Why Do Horses Eat Dirt?
Why do some horses paw the ground before rolling?
You’ll sometimes notice that before your horse starts to roll, it will paw the ground. This is their attempt to loosen the dirt so that when they roll, the surface feels more comfortable against the skin.
Loosening the dirt also makes it possible for dry particles of earth to penetrate their fur and dry off any sweat or moisture, like after they work or after a bath. According to experts, horses that don’t paw the ground before rolling might be demonstrating signs of stress instead of normal, healthy behavior.
How do you stop a horse from rolling while riding?
Sometimes, a horse will attempt to roll while being ridden. This could be a behavioral problem that communicates that a horse is unwilling to work.
In most cases however, a horse will roll while being ridden because they feel uncomfortable under all of their tack. If your horse attempts to roll while you’re riding, you might want to check how everything fits.
Ill-fitting equipment and accessories might make your horse want to shake and rub everything off. So proper fit and comfort are paramount prior to riding a horse.
Why do horses roll around during the summer?
Again, rolling during the summer season might indicate that your horse’s winter coat hasn’t shed as properly as it should have. With bits of loose fur sticking to your horse’s skin, they could feel itchy, uncomfortable, and a little too warm.
Rolling in the mud helps get rid of loose hair, and relieves itchiness associated with shedding. During the summer, rolling around in the dirt also helps get rid of sweat and moisture trapped in the fur.
Why do horses roll around during the winter?
If you notice that your horse’s rolling behavior increases during the winter, then that might be their attempt at generating heat. With their thick winter coat in place, rolling around on the ground may produce extra through friction.
Of course, winter rolling might also simply point to itching and muscle tiredness. Sometimes, bored horses will also go for a roll. Since the winter time leaves limited opportunities for exercise and socialization, rolling around on the ground proves to be a suitable pass-time.
Let’s Roll
Horses are intelligent creatures with complex personalities and habits. And although some habits like rolling go against the image of a majestic, dignified steed, it’s definitely not without explanation.
Most of us have probably wondered why horses roll at one point or another. And as peculiar as the behavior might seem, a horse that rolls regularly in your care is one that’s more than likely happy and healthy.
