Trivia Tidbits: Why do horses raise their upper lips in a "horse laugh"?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carol C Lawler on January 9, 2012 at 12:08pm

Horses will curl up their lip, which will press up against the back of their nose this is called Flehmen.

A horse does this to detect an odor. This is seen more in males than females.

A stallion will make this face when he examines a mares urine to find out if she is in heat.

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Mats on January 9, 2012 at 4:32pm

it is i like their extra way to smell

Permalink Reply by Meagan Majchszak on January 9, 2012 at 8:00pm

Flehmen is when horses raise their upper lip and tilt their head back in order to trap and analyze pheromone scents.  Stallions typically do this when they are around a mare in estrus.  However, all horses may do this when exposed to a strong, unusual smell, such as smoke or fresh paint.

Permalink Reply by Medina Velic on January 9, 2012 at 9:38pm

A horse may 'smile' when smelling a strong odor. The horse curls its lips upwards to close the naval cavities so they can hold the sent and analyze it more closley. This helps horses trap pheromone scents from other horses. Some horses, such as my horse will smile on command for a mint and will also smile to show that he likes where you are scratching him! 

Permalink Reply by Emily on January 11, 2012 at 4:13pm

Horses will curl their upper lip to lock in their nostrils a spicific sent. That is call Flehmen. Also stallions will do this to see if a mare is in heat.

Permalink Reply by Crystal on January 15, 2012 at 5:12pm

Horses will raise their upper  lips that they are realasked or they are doing it for fun.

Permalink Reply by Barnmice Media on January 16, 2012 at 8:38am

Congratulations to Carol C Lawler who won our weekly Trivia Tidbits draw, way to go Carol!