Neigh

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Cob normand hennissant

Hirnu2

Stallion meets Appalossa Mare

Calling for Rocket

Mural del Gernika

Tibet, Hayagriva, guardiano della dottrina dharmapala, e la sua consorte, 1490-1510 ca.

Neigh is the vocalization sound made by horses. It is a distinctive, high-pitched whinny or bray that horses use to communicate with each other. The sound can convey various messages, from calling to other horses, expressing discomfort, excitement, or even as a greeting. Understanding the context and variations of neighing is essential for horse trainers, veterinarians, and equestrians to interpret the needs and feelings of these animals.

Characteristics

The neigh consists of several parts: the beginning is usually a long, sustained, high-pitched whinny followed by several shorter, lower-pitched sounds. The duration and pitch can vary greatly depending on the horse's breed, age, and individual characteristics. The sound is produced when air is pushed through the horse's larynx.

Purpose and Communication

Horses use neighing for several reasons:

• Social Bonding: Horses are highly social animals, and neighing helps maintain contact with other horses in their group, especially when they are out of sight.
• Alert System: A neigh can serve as an alert to signal danger or to call the herd back together.
• Expressing Needs: Horses may neigh to express a variety of needs, including hunger, thirst, or the desire for human attention.
• Stress or Discomfort: Neighing can indicate stress, discomfort, or anxiety in some situations.

Interpretation

Interpreting the meaning behind a horse's neigh requires attention to the context, the horse's body language, and the situation. For example, a loud, long neigh at the sight of a familiar horse might be a greeting, while a series of loud neighs could indicate distress or a call for help.

In Human Culture

The neigh of a horse has been a significant sound in many cultures, symbolizing freedom, power, and the wild. It has been featured in literature, film, and music, often used to evoke the essence of the untamed and the spirit of adventure.

See Also

• Horse behavior
• Animal communication
• Equestrianism