I have a fondness for horse whiskers. They certainly make selfies ridiculously fun.
But they’re also an essential piece of anatomy that the horse relies on. Each whisker has a nerve ending that conveys information to the horse – input that they can’t get in other ways.
A horse can’t see what’s directly in front of them, nor what’s down at their nose. Their eyes are set to the sides, and the nose is in their blind spot. Also, horses have excellent distance vision, but cannot see very well close-up. So how does a horse determine what’s good to eat? Here Tonka is grazing amongst a wide variety of plants, and he’s being selective about which ones to eat and which to avoid.
He knows what’s near his mouth because his whiskers tell him. There’s a reason that there’s so many at the bottom of his chin, which is near the ground (and food!) when he grazes.
Once Tonka identifies the plant that he wants, using his rubbery lips, he can move that towards his teeth, and the not-so-tasty leaves out of the way.
Horses aren’t indiscriminate eaters. They’re gourmands. I’ve seen Tonka reject an older dandelion leaf for one that is greener. This isn’t just a matter of taste, it’s also for his health. This looks like nice, lush grass, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, mixed in with the lawn is an invasive plant which is spreading rapidly here in New England – I think it’s hairy bittercress, but let me know if you know.
Watch Tonka avoid it. It’s quite amazing how his whiskers give him the information to do so.
Whiskers also tell horses where the water is in their buckets. Important information so that they don’t dunk their noses.
Some horses use their whiskers to test electric fences. They can tell if the fence is on without getting a shock. Clever! There’s some anecdotal evidence that horses without whiskers are more susceptible to head trauma. (No research yet, but it makes sense.)
People shave their horses’ muzzles for appearances. Here in the USA, for some equine competitions, shaving has become a necessity. Thankfully, shaving isn’t de rigueur in my sport of dressage (although it is, unfortunately, common.) I’d like to see the fashion change. It is in some countries. In Germany, it’s illegal to shave your horse’s whiskers. In any case, you can’t see whiskers from a distance. Certainly, Tonka’s whiskers aren’t obvious to the judge.
But to Tonka, those whiskers are an integral part of his sensory system.
So, please don’t shave your horse. Instead, celebrate those whiskers!
Very interesting. To see him avoiding the greens he doesn’t want is amazing. Love the last picture, personality plus!!!
It is fun to watch. My goats are equally picky, but for different plants 🙂
Have I told you this before? I can’t remember. I just love your posts. I really appreciate the effort that you put into this whole blog. I don’t have a horse in my life anymore.. These posts really do bring me joy each morning that I read one before starting my work.
Thanks a million. 🙂
You’re very welcome. Thank YOU for your comment!
What a silly face on that last picture! Like the others, I do enjoy your posts. It’s good to hear others opinions from different disciplines and parts of the country/world.
I do not trim their whiskers. Do you have to trim Tonka’s ears some for Dressage? In the pics they don’t look like you trim them very close if at all.
I don’t trim his ears. Right now it’s black gnat season and the only thing keeping him from total misery is that his fuzzy ears lend him some protection. He also wears a face mask with ears to protect him from the nasty little things.
Nature is so perfect, there is a purpose for everything ! Enjoyed learning about the whiskers and so happy you have the intelligence of keeping his. Love the video, there’s something peaceful about the munching ! and Tonka’s pictures specially the last one rekindling dear Mr Ed !!! LOL !
Tonka talks as much to me as Mr. Ed did to Wilbur 🙂
I was sure you both had a special dialogue… that would be through the Voice of the Heart ❤️❤️❤️, the most intimate one 🙂
Great advice – thank you!! I take some heat from a few friends for not shaving my horses’ whiskers. They are there for a reason!!
Don’t cave in to peer pressure 🙂
Thank you very much for this post!! I have Arabians and I do not like the fact that they are body clipped and shaved for shows Their faces are shaved, including hairs around the eyes and even inside the ears. It always bothered me to see that happen to my horses!!! I don’t mind a bridle path, but that is it. Arabians shows in Europe do not allow the shaving of facial whiskers, etc
My horses haven’t been shown for a couple of years, so I don’t have to worry about ir now.
I didn’t even mention ears. Our horses need their “floof” to keep bugs and dirt out!