He does it every time we ride but only if we are walking, especially going down hills. With every step he takes he makes this weird grunting noise. It doesn't sound like he's in distress or pain it's just little grunts and it stops after a few strides. What's he doing? I always make sure my horse is warmed up properly and I always wait at least 2 hours after his meals to ride so it couldn't be pain could it?
I'm just curious it really doesn't worry me too much. It actually sounds like what a person sounds like when they clear their throat gently (so you have an idea of what it sounds like)
Two things. He can just be grunting/moaning. I train horses and have a few that do this. I even have one that does it in rhythm with his trot. Like he's humming lol. I know you say grunting but also keep in mind that geldings sheaths can make weird noises too. Some do more than others .... Either way I wouldn't worry;)
Strange ... hmm.
If its a gelding or stallion then they make a sound erm ... down there .... if you know what I mean. You usually hear it when they trot the most though. Sometimes horses make a noise when they canter as well, thisis called a high blower, Its not really a problem either, you can hear some horses doing this at shows when they are jumping.
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Otherwise it sounds like it may possibly be a pain related problem. However. Some lazy horses I have known have groaned when riding them, mostly riding school horses I have worked with!
My horse does this too - hes so funny - he just makes this grunting noise - but only when we go out on hacks - I like to think of it as him humming as he walks along admiring the view! lol!!
Its nothing to worry about - as you can tell from the answers you've gotten, lots of horses do this - its just a quirky little habit
xx
my horse does that too. im not too worried about it though, she's not in pain. she'd tell me if she was in pain-for example bucking me off: L
she mainly does it in the hottest part of summer, i think its because the grass was very dry, might not be the same for you but i just saw some similarities in what you said.
hope i helped in some way:)
my daughters pony makes a funny noise too. she sounds like she is moaning. we asked a old owner of her, and she had done it when she owned her too. we think it is funny when she does it.
