• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Horse Health

    9 Important Signs A Horse Is Stressed

    Modified: Oct 27, 2020 by Amber King · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Horses feel stressed when there's a new herdmate in the pasture, when their training schedule changes, and when they travel to new areas. They could stress out when it's cold, when it's hot, or when their favorite person goes on vacation. There's a limitless list of reasons why a horse could be suffering from long-term stress. But if you don't know it's happening, there's no way to help. Every horse owner should be able to recognize the signs a horse is stressed.

    signs of stress in horses

    The Dangers of Long-Term Stress

    While short-term stress is generally harmless, and even helpful, chronic stress can negatively affect a horse's overall health and quality of life. Hormones related to stress can flood the horse's system, and if they don't go back to normal, they cause changes in a horse's health and behavior. 

    Chronic stress can create dangerous habits and have a near-permanent affect on how the horse sees the world and manages future situations. It's a slippery slope that gets worse with time, and it's always best to address stress sooner rather than later. 

    Signs a Horse is Stressed

    Every horse will express their stress differently. The following behaviors and health problems, however, are common in horses that are dealing with long-term strain on their mental health.

    Unexplained Weight Loss

    There are several reasons why a horse could be losing weight. And if you have a particularly hard keeper, narrowing it down can be difficult. Don't forget to consider stress as a factor, however. When horses become overly stressed, they often lose their appetite. They'll spend all day in the pasture, but their heightened emotions prevent them from grazing. It can be hard to notice appetite and weight loss on a daily basis. And because most of us aren't putting our horses regularly on a scale, it can be weeks until you notice the change.

    signs a horse is stressed

    Increased Urination and Diarrhea

    Long-term stress has the potential to affect a horse's digestive system. They might urinate more frequently, especially at inopportune times, and they produce more manure. A lot of times, that manure is runny even if their diet hasn't changed. 

    Tooth Grinding

    Tooth grinding is a sign of stress in humans, and it's the same for horses. Most horses won't even realize they're doing it. They'll mash their teeth together when they're waiting in their stall, in the pasture, and even when they're being ridden. If there are no dental issues, tooth grinding is a clear sign a horse is stressed. The grinding might become more constant with time.

    Yawning

    If you ever notice your horse yawning, don't assume it's because they're tired. Studies have shown that horses yawn in response to stress. The theory is that the behavior releases endorphins that can temporarily make the horse feel better. Some horses yawn several times in a row during particularly uncomfortable situations. It's like they're trying to exhale their bad feelings.

    signs a horse is stressed

    Fence Walking

    Fence walking is when a horse repeatedly walks along a fence line despite distractions. It can happen if the horse is stressed about being separated from a friend or food source or if they're uncomfortable with a new addition to the herd. They feel compelled to keep walking the same path, and they could do it all day long. Stalled horses can do the same thing in their confined area. 

    Sweating and Trembling

    Sweating and trembling are signs a horse is stressed when there's no other reasonable explanation for that kind of physical behavior. Horses are expected to sweat during a workout. But if you notice your horse sweating during times of relaxation and normal temperatures, that physical response could be a sign of long-term stress. They might also have an increased heart rate. 

    Bolting Food

    A horse that is constantly worried or on edge often bolts their food. This means they eat as fast as they possibly can as soon as the food is made available. It could be because they're worried the food will disappear or be stolen, or they're not confident that they'll get another chance to eat. Either way, bolting is dangerous and can often lead to choking.

    signs a horse is stressed

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Gastric Ulcers

    One of the most serious signs a horse is stressed is gastric ulcers. High levels of stress hormones lower the pH levels in the horse's stomach and makes the stomach lining more at risk of ulcers. The situation is even more complicated considering gastric ulcers are difficult to diagnose in horses. The most obvious symptoms are appetite loss and a dull coat. 

    While this list does not include every possible sign a horse is stressed, it's a place to start. Noticing the signs is the first step, and then you face the challenge of remedying the situation. It's important to reduce your horse's daily stress and help them live a healthy life. You can do this by maintaining a consistent routine, providing a healthy diet, and addressing specific concerns like fears and social distress. 

    More Horse Health

    • A veterinarian examing a horse leg.
      11 Symptoms of DSLD In Horses
    • White horse by fence with for sale sign
      5 Horse Shopping Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a New Horse
    • White horse lounging on grass
      10 Common Reasons You Have a Tired Horse and What to Do
    • Hoof being held up by person in jeans
      5 Common Hoof Problems to Avoid During the Rainy Season

    Sharing is caring!

    7.4K shares
    • Share7.4K
    • Tweet

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 10 Top YouTube Channels for Horse Lovers
    • 11 Horse Gadgets and Apps for Tech Lovers
    • 11 Surprising Christmas Ideas for Horse Lovers
    • 6 Of The Best Places to See Wild Horses in the US
    • 7 Top Podcasts for Horse Lovers (Trending Now)

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    7.4K shares
    • 7.4K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy