Head Tossing or Throwing
Look at the signal, then look at the whole horse and the situation around it.
NOTICE
The horse makes a noticeable upward, sideways, or backward movement of the head.
You may notice:
- a quick upward toss
- a sideways throw of the head
- a larger movement during handling or riding
- a pattern that appears with rein contact, insects, a request, or another clear trigger
WHAT IT MAY TELL YOU
Head tossing can show up with irritation, excitement, conflict, frustration, insects, pressure from handling or equipment, or physical discomfort.
The timing of the movement is one of your best clues.
DON'T ASSUME
Head tossing does not automatically mean disobedience, attitude, pain, or a neurological problem.
A better question is: “When does it happen, and what changes just before it starts?”
LOOK AGAIN
Look for a pattern.
- Does it happen during bridling or rein contact?
- When the ears or face are touched?
- Around insects?
- During movement or exercise?
- Only in a particular place or situation?
Notice whether the behavior stops when the situation changes.
Related Questions
Why does my horse shake or toss their head when bridled?
Timing can help narrow the possibilities. Notice whether it begins when the bridle appears, when the ears are touched, when the bit enters the mouth, after the bridle is on, or during rein contact. Anticipation, sensitivity, equipment fit, oral or dental discomfort, neck discomfort, insects, or learned avoidance can all be worth considering. Don't assume it is simply bad behavior.
Research / Learn More
What research suggests
Head tossing and repeated changes in head position appear in equine discomfort and ridden-horse pain research, but they can also happen for reasons unrelated to pain. Timing and repetition matter.
What that does not mean
An occasional head toss does not diagnose pain or identify its cause.
Sources
- Equine Discomfort Ethogram — describes several forms of head tossing and flipping observed with discomfort.
- Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram — includes repeated head-position changes and tossing among behaviors assessed in ridden horses.