Do Horses Cry?

Understanding a horse's ability to cry can be a challenging topic as horses don't cry in the same emotional way that humans do. Instead, they express their feelings through physical discomfort, emotional stress, and communication. This article delves into the actual reasons horses produce tears and how they communicate their emotions.

Understanding Horse Tears

Horses produce tears to keep their large eyes clean. Their eyes are designed to produce a significant amount of moisture to protect against dust and debris. If you look at the lower eyelid near the corner, you will find a small hole that is the tear duct. This duct drains the excess tears into the horse's nostrils, and the tiny amount of liquid often seen dripping from a horse's nose is usually these tears. However, if the tear duct becomes obstructed or inflamed, or if the eyes produce more tears than the duct can handle, then some of the tears may overflow and run down the horse's cheek.

Physical Discomfort and Eye Irritation

Eye irritation is a common reason why horses produce tears. This can be due to debris, dust, or even infections. Horses can be very tolerant of such irritations, but sometimes their eyes can get irritated, leading to increased tearing.

Emotional Stress and Distress

While horses do not cry tears as an emotional response like humans, they can show signs of stress, anxiety, or distress through behavior, body language, and vocalizations. One unique instance occurred with my own horse. I had a horse once that was born at our house. Over time, she developed a behavior where she would cry when corrected for bad behavior. Her eyes would get huge and distressed, and she would cry out of one eye, while using her body language to ask for forgiveness. This behavior was consistent every time she was corrected.

Health Conditions and Excessive Tearing

Sometimes, certain health conditions can also lead to excessive tearing. Conditions such as conjunctivitis or blocked tear ducts can cause tears to overflow. A more extreme example that illustrates this was shared by a detailed experience with my horse. After having to sell her, her new owner, an experienced horsewoman, initially dismissed my claim that the horse cried. However, a month later, she called to admit she had been wrong because the horse indeed cried when in trouble, just as I had described.

Communication Through Tears and Behavior

Horses communicate their feelings through body language. Signs of fear, pain, or discomfort are often mistaken for crying. These signs can include the way the horse holds its head, the position of its ears, its gait, and even the sounds it makes. When a horse cries due to fear or pain, it's typically a physical expression rather than an emotional one, and it's rare for a horse to cry from emotional distress.

Conclusion

While horses can produce tears, it is typically related to physical issues rather than emotional crying. Understanding the reasons behind their tears and their overall behavior can help horse owners provide better care and support. If you notice persistent or excessive tearing, it might be worth a trip to the vet to check for any underlying health issues.