Let the good times
roll!
Horse owners can spot the signs of a horse that plans to
roll on the ground.
First, the equine may walk in a circle (somewhat as a dog
might circle before lying down). Next, the horse will probably paw the dirt
with his
front hooves
. He may even sniff the ground, as if he is seeking the
optimum spot for rolling. Finally, he will bend his front knees, lean left or
right and flop down into the dirt, dust, mud, sand or
stall bedding
.
Many horses will roll to one side, stand up and then roll to
the other side. Young or particularly athletic horses may roll from one side to
the other before rising again. After rolling, horses will usually shake
themselves off and then run around a bit – with perhaps a few happy bucks.
Of course, rolling is a natural
equine behavior. A rolling
horse is perfectly safe, as long as he is carrying no rider or tack and has
plenty of room to roll.
Why do horses roll?
What precipitates this equine behavior?
Horses may roll for countless reasons. Here are ten common
causes of equine rolling, including some that may be deliberate and some that
may be utterly unconscious for horses.
1. Horses often roll
when their abdomens hurt.
In certain instances, horses may roll on the ground while
suffering from abdominal pain, as from colic. These horses usually show other
signs of discomfort, bending backwards to look towards their guts, swishing
their tails frantically and moaning.
Colicking
horses may lie down and rise
repeatedly.
A horse with colic should be prevented from rolling, as this
may encourage intestinal twisting or life-threatening impactions.
If a horse appears distressed, professional veterinary
medical assistance may be needed.
2. Horses may roll if
their fur is wet.
For horses, rolling on the ground is a natural form of
self-grooming and a means of drying rain-soaked, sweat-soaked or shower-soaked
coats.
In fact, freshly bathed horses may roll in dirt or mud
immediately after cleansing, if they have the opportunity to do so. Although
horse groomers may be somewhat chagrined to behold this equine behavior, horses
may prefer to be gritty or mud-caked.
To prevent spit-shined horses from rolling, equine grooms
may cover horses with terrycloth or
fleece coolers
and tie them in their stalls
or the barn aisle for clean drying.
3. Horses roll for
natural sunscreen.
Horses may sunburn, especially on their muzzles and other
thinly covered areas. In particular, white or light-colored horses may be most
affected by the sun’s rays. A roll in the mud can actually provide a layer of
sunscreen (and even wind protection) for a horse, although the horse will
likely have no idea that this benefit is occurring.
4. Horses roll to rid
themselves of bothersome bugs.
In a similar vein, a coat of dust or mud on a horse’s coat
may offer a certain amount of insect protection. Horses that roll may bear
extra bug shield, even if they are unaware of this asset.
5. Horses tend to roll
to imitate and signal one another.
Horses are social creatures. Each equine herd has its own
hierarchy. Rolling is a social behavior, demonstrating both trust and social
position.
Often, horse herd observes note how one horse’s rolling may
lead to others’ following suit. Generally, only one horse in a herd will roll
at a time, with equines taking turns. This is seen, by human observers, as a
defense against possible predators.
Usually the most dominant horse in the herd is the last to
hit the ground.
6. Horses might roll
to resist uncomfortable tack.
Rolling may be quite dangerous, if a horse is wearing a
saddle or training tack. A pinching
surcingle
or ill-fitting saddle or girth may give a
horse cause to roll, if he is not prevented from doing so. A horse that rolls
while wearing tack may easily become injured, and expensive tack may be
damaged.
Of course, a horse that attempts to roll with a rider aboard
may be perilous indeed, both to himself and to his equestrian partner.
7. Horses frequently
roll to scratch their own backs.
Even horses love a good back scratching. Although social
grooming may offer some such comfort for equines, an animated roll on the
ground may be the best horse massage nature has to offer them. In fact, many
equine chiropractors claim that rolling is often excellent for realigning
horses’ vertebrae naturally.
8. Horses roll to
shed their winter coats.
Each spring, horses residing in cold-weather climates may
begin shedding their winter coats. Rolling vigorously in gritty dirt is one way
to hasten this process.
Horses roll around to
stretch their muscles.
Rolling on the ground is excellent exercise for a horse,
stretching his back, barrel, buttocks, flanks, legs, neck, spine, and more.
Because equestrian disciplines generally aim for optimum equine flexibility and
overall fitness, horse owners almost universally express pleasure at seeing
their horses rolling on the ground.
Horses sometimes roll
just for fun.
To a horse, rolling around on the ground may be just plain
fun. After all, a bit of exuberant thrashing can be an enjoyable means of
expending extra equine energy, enthusiasm, and spirit. Once he’s done rolling,
he’ll likely stand and shake off the dust and be ready to settle into some
serious grazing or even work.
Roll on!
Image/s:
Horse Rising After Rolling – Pixabay public
domain photo
