12 Fun And Quirky Things Horses Do That Make Their Owners Smile

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

horse
👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day/Pixabay

Horses are majestic animals known for their grace, strength, and elegance. Yet beyond their beauty lies a playful, quirky side that horse owners cherish. These gentle giants often entertain their humans with amusing antics and lovable habits, turning ordinary days into delightful adventures. Here are twelve fun and quirky behaviors that horses commonly exhibit, guaranteed to put a smile on any owner’s face.

1. Lip Curling (Flehmen Response)

horse funny
Anna/Pixabay

Horses often curl their lips upward, revealing their teeth in a humorous expression known as the Flehmen response. This funny face occurs when they smell something interesting or unfamiliar. Watching a horse make this goofy expression never fails to make owners laugh, as it resembles a playful grin or a silly, exaggerated smile. It’s an adorable and entertaining moment that horse lovers often capture in photos.

2. Rolling In The Dirt

horse
helenalopesph/pexels

Nothing is more satisfying to a horse than finding a perfect patch of dirt and rolling enthusiastically. This amusing ritual often happens right after a bath or grooming session, to the owner’s playful frustration. Horses wiggle, roll, and shake vigorously, coating themselves in dust with pure joy. Despite the messy aftermath, their happiness is infectious, making owners chuckle every time.

3. Playing Chase

horses running
xtiandugard/pixabay

Horses love engaging in playful games of chase with other horses, dogs, or even their owners. They gallop, trot, and prance energetically around their pastures, often kicking up their heels in delight. Watching these majestic animals frolic and display their spirited personalities fills their owners’ hearts with joy. This playful behavior highlights their carefree, youthful nature and never ceases to entertain.

4. Cheeky Nudging

A man Loving his horse
Oleksandr Ryzhkov/Freepik

Horses often gently nudge their owners with their noses, seeking attention or treats. This endearing habit, while initially sweet, can turn into playful persistence, especially when snacks are involved. The gentle push can quickly escalate into a full-blown comedic performance, leaving their human companions smiling and thoroughly charmed by their affectionate antics.

5. Rolling Around

horse rolling
szafran/pexels

One of the most amusing sights is watching a horse enthusiastically rolling on the ground to scratch an itch or simply enjoy themselves. Legs kicking in the air, they twist and turn with sheer delight, creating an entertaining spectacle. Owners often can’t help but laugh at the blissful and carefree demeanor horses display during these rolling sessions.

6. Lip Flapping

horse funny
Christel SAGNIEZ/Pixabay

Lip flapping is another charming quirk that horses display, especially when relaxed or content. They loosen their lips and let them flap around in a hilarious manner, making silly noises and facial expressions. This comical habit often occurs when they’re sleepy or enjoying grooming sessions, resulting in laughter and joyful moments for owners who witness this amusing behavior.

7. Splashing In Water

horse water
kf-zhou/pexels

Horses often display pure joy when playing in water, stomping their hooves and splashing around like excited children. They might paw at puddles, splash around playfully, or even roll fully in shallow water. Observing their carefree and joyous interaction with water brings genuine smiles and laughter, highlighting their playful personalities.

8. Stealing Hats

horse brown
artbyfjord/Pixabay

Horses are mischievous creatures known to grab hats, gloves, or scarves off unsuspecting owners. They seem to take great delight in the game, shaking or running away triumphantly with their stolen prize. Their cheeky expressions and triumphant trots afterward often leave owners chasing after them, both amused and charmed by their lovable mischief.

9. Scratching Each Other’s Backs

horse
tiana/pexels

Mutual grooming, or horses scratching each other’s backs, is both sweet and funny. They often find just the right spot, leading to amusing expressions of relief and pleasure. Owners smile watching these gentle moments, appreciating the friendship and bond horses display through such delightful interactions. These mutual grooming sessions also showcase horses’ caring nature, making their affection and companionship even more endearing

10.Playing With Objects

horse
barbara-olsen/pexels

Horses frequently entertain themselves (and their owners) by playing with random objects. They might pick up buckets, traffic cones, or even hats, tossing them around or carrying them proudly. Watching horses engage with these simple objects turns ordinary moments into delightful entertainment. Owners can’t help but laugh and marvel at their horses’ curious and playful spirits, making everyday chores more enjoyable.

11. Playful Tail Swishing

horse running
osmanarabaciart/pexels

Horses often swish their tails dramatically, not only to ward off flies but also as playful gestures when excited or curious. The exaggerated movements can be amusing to watch, especially when combined with their expressive eyes and ears. This quirky behaviour easily draws smiles from owners, making every interaction lively and entertaining.

12. Yawning Loudly

horse
christina/pexels

Horse yawns can be surprisingly loud and dramatically expressive, often accompanied by exaggerated mouth movements and stretching. Witnessing these humorous yawns is both entertaining and endearing, making owners laugh at the sheer enthusiasm their horses display. This quirky behaviour often showcases their relaxed and happy state.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Horse follow
taken by Great/Pexels

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!

Related Posts

Discover 7 dangerous foods that could harm your horse and 7 safe, tasty treats they'll absolutely adore. Keep your horse healthy!
Discover 9 fun tricks you can teach your horse, from bowing to fetching—perfect for bonding and impressing your friends!
Horses exhibit 15 remarkable signs of intelligence, including memory, problem-solving, emotional awareness, and strong human connections.
Spending time with farm animals can do wonders for your mental health. From reducing stress to boosting happiness, here are ten surprising ways they help.
Owning a horse is rewarding but comes with challenges. Learn how to tackle common struggles and enjoy a smoother journey.
Build trust, improve training, and strengthen your bond with these 13 expert horse training tips for a confident partnership.
Horses are intelligent, emotional beings with incredible communication skills. From reading human emotions to problem-solving, they amaze us!
Uncover 7 stunning facts about the rare American Cream Draft—its golden coat, gentle heart, and near extinction will amaze you!
Discover the 12 oldest horse breeds that have stood the test of time, showcasing strength, endurance, and timeless beauty.