Tense or Strained Nostrils / Muzzle
Look at the signal, then look at the whole horse and the situation around it.
NOTICE
The nostrils or muzzle look tighter, more angular, or more strained than usual.
- The nostril edges may look firmer or sharper
- The muzzle may lose its usual softness
- The profile around the nose may look flatter or more drawn
WHAT IT MAY TELL YOU
This kind of facial tension can appear with physical discomfort, pain, stress, or increased tension.
DON'T ASSUME
A tense muzzle does not automatically mean pain, fear, or a specific emotional state.
LOOK AGAIN
Check the eyes, mouth, chin, chewing muscles, ears, and whole-body posture. Is the nostril shape simply wider, or does the surrounding muzzle also look tense and strained?
Research / Learn More
What research shows
The Horse Grimace Scale includes strained nostrils and flattening of the profile among several facial features associated with pain. Other equine pain studies also describe changes in nostril shape and muzzle tension.
What it does not tell us
This feature is not a diagnosis and should be read with other facial and behavioral changes.
Sources
- Development of the Horse Grimace Scale — includes strained nostrils and flattening of the profile as one component of a multi-feature pain assessment.
- EquiFACS for pain-related facial responses — discusses nostril dilation and related facial changes observed during pain.