10/07/2026
What does it mean when horses yawn?
According to studies it means switching from one state to another. Usually with the net result of transitioning from the sympathetic nervous system (flight, freeze or fight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and restore) â¨
What I find somewhat surprising is that yawns are by many equestrians considered bad and a sign the horse feels threatened or is stressed đ
As if we can change life and should aim for never ever feeling any kind of stress đ¤ˇââď¸
Life is stressful, especially if you are a flight animal đ
So instead of trying to change the environment to make horses feel calm at all times it might be a better idea to give them tools that help them calm themselves downđĄ
In my observations horses yawn more when together in a herd than with their human. Which could be a sign that when with us they wait for the next command, treat or something to happen and arenât comfortable enough to release tension
And that waiting out a yawn has significant benefits to our relationship and training progress with the horse â¨
Whatâs your take on yawning?
Let me know in the comments below đ