{"id":1327,"date":"2023-11-27T23:22:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/?p=1327"},"modified":"2023-11-27T23:22:33","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:22:33","slug":"why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Horses Chomp at the Bit: 9+ Reasons You Never Knew"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I&#8217;ll never forget the first time I saw my horse Sky chomping away at her bit like there was no tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>At first I thought she was just being ornery, but it got me wondering &#8211; what exactly is going on inside that horse brain when they do that?<\/p>\n<p>Turns out there&#8217;s actually some good reasons why our equine friends like to gnaw on the reins from time to time:<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660c850260d43\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660c850260d43\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_1_Its_a_Calming_Behavior\" title=\"Reason #1: It&#8217;s a Calming Behavior\">Reason #1: It&#8217;s a Calming Behavior<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_2_Boredom_or_Frustration\" title=\"Reason #2: Boredom or Frustration\">Reason #2: Boredom or Frustration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_3_Theyre_Seeking_Attention\" title=\"Reason #3: They&#8217;re Seeking Attention\">Reason #3: They&#8217;re Seeking Attention<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_4_Theyre_Teething\" title=\"Reason #4: They&#8217;re Teething\">Reason #4: They&#8217;re Teething<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_5_Relief_from_Pain_or_Discomfort\" title=\"Reason #5: Relief from Pain or Discomfort\">Reason #5: Relief from Pain or Discomfort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_6_Its_a_Habit\" title=\"Reason #6: It&#8217;s a Habit\">Reason #6: It&#8217;s a Habit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_7_Theyre_Exploring\" title=\"Reason #7: They&#8217;re Exploring\">Reason #7: They&#8217;re Exploring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_8_They_Want_to_Graze\" title=\"Reason #8: They Want to Graze\">Reason #8: They Want to Graze<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_9_It_Tastes_Good\" title=\"Reason #9: It Tastes Good\">Reason #9: It Tastes Good<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_10_Theyre_Seeking_Control\" title=\"Reason #10: They&#8217;re Seeking Control\">Reason #10: They&#8217;re Seeking Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_11_Theyre_Flexing_Their_Jaws\" title=\"Reason #11: They&#8217;re Flexing Their Jaws\">Reason #11: They&#8217;re Flexing Their Jaws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_12_Theyre_Communicating\" title=\"Reason #12: They&#8217;re Communicating\">Reason #12: They&#8217;re Communicating<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_13_Its_Genetic\" title=\"Reason #13: It&#8217;s Genetic\">Reason #13: It&#8217;s Genetic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_14_Theyre_Trying_to_Suck_or_Chew\" title=\"Reason #14: They&#8217;re Trying to Suck or Chew\">Reason #14: They&#8217;re Trying to Suck or Chew<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_15_Stimulating_Their_Senses\" title=\"Reason #15: Stimulating Their Senses\">Reason #15: Stimulating Their Senses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_16_Coping_with_Stimuli\" title=\"Reason #16: Coping with Stimuli\">Reason #16: Coping with Stimuli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_17_Encouraging_Circulation\" title=\"Reason #17: Encouraging Circulation\">Reason #17: Encouraging Circulation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_18_Self-Grooming_Instincts\" title=\"Reason #18: Self-Grooming Instincts\">Reason #18: Self-Grooming Instincts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_19_Improving_Breathing\" title=\"Reason #19: Improving Breathing\">Reason #19: Improving Breathing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chomp-at-the-bit\/#Reason_20_Releasing_Tension\" title=\"Reason #20: Releasing Tension\">Reason #20: Releasing Tension<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_1_Its_a_Calming_Behavior\"><\/span>Reason #1: It&#8217;s a Calming Behavior<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1332 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-elgj5plbt6b2oflmcon26yge3y.png\" alt=\"why do horses chomp at the bit\" width=\"1232\" height=\"824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-elgj5plbt6b2oflmcon26yge3y.png 1232w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-elgj5plbt6b2oflmcon26yge3y-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-elgj5plbt6b2oflmcon26yge3y-768x514.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1232px) 100vw, 1232px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Much like how some folks nibble their fingernails when they&#8217;re feeling anxious, horsey chomping is actually a self-soothing thing for them.<\/p>\n<p>When they&#8217;re feeling stressed about something, like maybe it&#8217;s their first time at a rodeo or there&#8217;s loud noises at a parade, they&#8217;ll start grinding their teeth on the bit.<\/p>\n<p>The steady pressure on their gums and tongue helps calm their nerves the same way sucking your thumb might calm a kid down.<\/p>\n<p>They can feel more in control of the situation when they&#8217;re the ones applying pressure to their mouth instead of it being caused by something scary outside of them, like screamin&#8217; kids at a school field trip.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s like hugging a teddy bear &#8211; that lil oral action is soothing and comforting.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ve seen mares chomp like crazy when a loud truck goes rumblin&#8217; by during turnout, but as soon as the noise passes they settle right down and stop gnawing.<\/p>\n<p>The bit is kind of like their security blanket. They know as long as they&#8217;ve got something to clench down on, they&#8217;ll be alright.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_2_Boredom_or_Frustration\"><\/span>Reason #2: Boredom or Frustration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1331 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qcxdcntbibdeykmgwuxttdzeqm.png\" alt=\"why do horses chomp at the bit\" width=\"1240\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qcxdcntbibdeykmgwuxttdzeqm.png 1240w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qcxdcntbibdeykmgwuxttdzeqm-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qcxdcntbibdeykmgwuxttdzeqm-768x520.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Ever been waiting around doing nothing for so long that you started fiddlin&#8217; with something just to pass the time?<\/p>\n<p>Same thing happens to horses if they&#8217;re stuck standing in one spot too long without any mental or physical stimulation.<\/p>\n<p>Like if ol&#8217; Paint&#8217;s been tied in the barn aisle all afternoon with nothin&#8217; but sweaty hayracks and dusty saddles to look at.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;ll get so bored that chewing on the bit is more entertaining than counting the number of boards in the wall for the hundreth time.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-vomit\/\">Horses also get frustrated real easy if they want to eat<\/a> but can&#8217;t. Like if you&#8217;re keeping them from grazing in the pasture to train for a show.<\/p>\n<p>With no grass to nibble, that bit starts looking pretty tasty! It gives their mouth something to do besides think about all the yummy weeds they&#8217;re missing out on.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_3_Theyre_Seeking_Attention\"><\/span>Reason #3: They&#8217;re Seeking Attention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1329 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qewlj63b27qjmptnqsleevptiu.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1248\" height=\"848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qewlj63b27qjmptnqsleevptiu.png 1248w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qewlj63b27qjmptnqsleevptiu-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qewlj63b27qjmptnqsleevptiu-768x522.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) 100vw, 1248px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Pets are clever critters &#8211; they figure out quick which behaviors get a response from their people.<\/p>\n<p>For some ornery equines, excessive chomping is one way to get you running over like &#8220;What&#8217;s wrong boy?! Are you ok??&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s like how dogs will whimper pitifully just to have their humans fuss over them.<\/p>\n<p>The second that bit starts clanging against the metal of the bridle though, they know you&#8217;ll be right there giving their forelocks a scratch.<\/p>\n<p>One of my geldings Trooper is a major drama queen. If he thinks I&#8217;ve been ignoring him too long in the pasture, he&#8217;ll spin in circles chomping as loud as can be until I come check on him.<\/p>\n<p>That darn horse just can&#8217;t stand not being the center of attention!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_4_Theyre_Teething\"><\/span>Reason #4: They&#8217;re Teething<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1328 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-mc6cg2dbnok4djh7trsxhiqgxu.png\" alt=\"why do horses chomp at the bit\" width=\"1232\" height=\"824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-mc6cg2dbnok4djh7trsxhiqgxu.png 1232w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-mc6cg2dbnok4djh7trsxhiqgxu-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-mc6cg2dbnok4djh7trsxhiqgxu-768x514.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1232px) 100vw, 1232px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Any parent knows the struggle that is <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/when-do-horses-lose-their-baby-teeth\/\">teething babies<\/a> &#8211; the excessive drooling, chewing on everything within reach, and constant fussiness.<\/p>\n<p>Well teething foals are no different, except instead of toys they&#8217;ve got halters, <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-does-my-horse-chew-his-lead-rope\/\">lead ropes<\/a>, and bits to slobbery all over.<\/p>\n<p>As those widdle baby teeth start wiggin&#8217; loose and new big ones push through the gums, a foal&#8217;s natural reaction is to chew-chew-chew on anything handy.<\/p>\n<p>At my friend&#8217;s horse farm, I&#8217;ve seen the weanlings gnawing so hard on their halter leathers you&#8217;d think they were cured beef jerky!<\/p>\n<p>And since the bit often the only thing in a baby horse&#8217;s mouth while being led or worked with, it&#8217;s the perfect teefing target.<\/p>\n<p>All that nibbling helps soothe their achy gums and helps the new chompers cut through. Kinda like teething rings for human babies!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_5_Relief_from_Pain_or_Discomfort\"><\/span>Reason #5: Relief from Pain or Discomfort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve ever had a toothache, you know that grinding pressure can feel soothing on a sore mouth.<\/p>\n<p>Same is true for horses dealing with dental issues like sharp points on their molars or swollen gums from an abscessed tooth.<\/p>\n<p>The steady pressure of gnawing might help numb things a little bit.<\/p>\n<p>Horses can also get aches and pains in their jaw joints or face muscles just like people do.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ve seen arthritic old boys chomp almost non-stop some days when the weather&#8217;s causing a flair up in their bones.<\/p>\n<p>The motion seems to loosen things up and help them feel a bit better, kind of like when you crack your own knuckles.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_6_Its_a_Habit\"><\/span>Reason #6: It&#8217;s a Habit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Behaviors can become habitual for horses without them even meaning to.<\/p>\n<p>Once they learn that chewing relaxes them during scary events or gets them attention from their people, it can be hard to kick the chomping even when it&#8217;s no longer serving a purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Like how some folks will twiddle their hair or bounce their leg without realizing.<\/p>\n<p>One mare I know will gnaw for England whether she&#8217;s being ridden, leading or just hanging out in the pasture.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s been doing it so long it&#8217;s just second nature, even if she&#8217;s not upset or bored anymore thanks to the behavior being reinforced for years.<\/p>\n<p>Habits are tough to break once they&#8217;re ingrained like that!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_7_Theyre_Exploring\"><\/span>Reason #7: They&#8217;re Exploring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kids put everything in their mouths, and young horses do much the same in their exploring puppy phase.<\/p>\n<p>Foals will chew on rocks, sticks, saddle pads &#8211; you name it just to experience different textures.<\/p>\n<p>A baby&#8217;s bit is a whole new thing to get to know orally since they&#8217;ve never had metal in their mouth before. So it gets thoroughly tasted and tested.<\/p>\n<p>They try biting it, sucking it, scraping it with their teeth just like little kids mouthing toys.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s all part of learning about their environment through their senses. And that bit might as well be the latest chew toy to them!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_8_They_Want_to_Graze\"><\/span>Reason #8: They Want to Graze<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As cattle cud and regurgitate grass all day, horses evolved as continual grazers always on the lookout for more fodder.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;ll naturally spend 12-18 hours a day nibbling and cropping plants in the wild, y&#8217;all.<\/p>\n<p>So when a horse is being asked not to eat while being ridden or worked, that constant grazing instinct can kick in hard.<\/p>\n<p>All that chomping and grinding is what they do while foraging, so in some ways it stimulates grazing behaviors when they don&#8217;t have any vegetation on hand.<\/p>\n<p>So the bit might remind them of crunchy grass stems or leaves in their mouth, even it ain&#8217;t vegetarian-friendly at all.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_9_It_Tastes_Good\"><\/span>Reason #9: It Tastes Good<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Crazy as it seems, some horses seem to really enjoy sucking on that metal bit like a jawbreaker.<\/p>\n<p>Just like people will chomp gum for hours, I think certain horses actually like the funny taste.<\/p>\n<p>We all know some kids who&#8217;ll suck on pennies &#8217;til they&#8217;re shinier than a new dime. Same kinda thing, I reckon.<\/p>\n<p>When Sky was a foal she&#8217;d suck so hard trying to nurse from the bit that she rusted it all to heck!<\/p>\n<p>Can&#8217;t say I understand the appeal myself, but she musta thought that iron had some flavor.<\/p>\n<p>Every horse is different, but for some the bit is simply satisfying to gnaw on like a tasty chew toy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_10_Theyre_Seeking_Control\"><\/span>Reason #10: They&#8217;re Seeking Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Being herd animals, horses are all about the pecking order and who&#8217;s in charge.<\/p>\n<p>Some will try to claim a higher rank by exhibiting dominant behaviors like nipping, kicking or barging other horses.<\/p>\n<p>Chewing forcefully on the bit can be one horse&#8217;s subtle way of saying &#8220;I&#8217;m the boss around here, got it?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>By applying pressure to your hands and mouth via gnawing, they&#8217;re flexing their powerful jaw muscles as a reminder not to mess with them.<\/p>\n<p>It puts them in control of the dynamics instead of the rider.<\/p>\n<p>Sassy mares especially will try and take the leading role, so chomping hard on a working student lets them feel big and strong.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_11_Theyre_Flexing_Their_Jaws\"><\/span>Reason #11: They&#8217;re Flexing Their Jaws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All that grinding and crunching is a real jaw-sizer for equines.<\/p>\n<p>It flexes and builds muscle in their facial region much like we do shoulder rolls to loosen up.<\/p>\n<p>The repetitive motion keeps their teeth and cheeks in tip-top condition too since <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-wild-horses-not-need-horseshoes\/\">wild horses spend all day grinding forage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Have you seen a horse really chomping away? Their whole head will bob up and down as they clench hard.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s like their personal dental workout to feel limber and capable of grabbing big mouthfuls of grass all day long.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_12_Theyre_Communicating\"><\/span>Reason #12: They&#8217;re Communicating<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The grinding of teeth carries through <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-curl-their-lips\/\">horse&#8217;s sensitive lips<\/a> and nose.<\/p>\n<p>They can sense vibrations from other <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-chew-fences\/\">horses chewing even if separated by fences<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Chomping allows them to &#8220;talk&#8221; without being face-to-face, like gossiping on the phone.<\/p>\n<p>Horses separated in different pastures will sometimes chomp in sync, almost like they&#8217;re having a conversation.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s one of their main ways of socially interacting as a herd since they spend so much time grazing apart.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_13_Its_Genetic\"><\/span>Reason #13: It&#8217;s Genetic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like certain dogs being bred as herders or hunters, some horse lines are predisposed to behaviors.<\/p>\n<p>If a mare was a chronic chomper, her foals may exhibit the same tendency due to her inborn traits.<\/p>\n<p>Genetics play a part in whether a <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-does-my-horse-nibble-on-me\/\">horse has a nibbling<\/a>, non-biting or strong-mouthed personality.<\/p>\n<p>Breeds like mustangs and Arabians do seem to chomp more often compared to plainer Quarter Horses.<\/p>\n<p>So the chip may not fall far from the block when it comes to bitey horses!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_14_Theyre_Trying_to_Suck_or_Chew\"><\/span>Reason #14: They&#8217;re Trying to Suck or Chew<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like how human babies suckle fists for comfort long after nursing,<\/p>\n<p>Some weanlings can&#8217;t kick the sucking reflex and will try to nurse off anything in their mouth.<\/p>\n<p>The bit gets chosen by mistake since they&#8217;re too young to know better.<\/p>\n<p>Other horses just have a deep-seated need to chew without being able to graze freely.<\/p>\n<p>So the bit fills that oral gratification of something to bite down on.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_15_Stimulating_Their_Senses\"><\/span>Reason #15: Stimulating Their Senses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Horses rely heavily on touch, taste, and feel to understand their environments.<\/p>\n<p>The varying textures of grass, dirt, and other bridles stimulate their sensitive mouths.<\/p>\n<p>Chomping on different bits engages those tactile senses much like humans fiddle with objects.<\/p>\n<p>Rubber bits have a squishier feel while rough-cast feels prickly on their lips.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a way for them to experiment orally and learn without even realizing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_16_Coping_with_Stimuli\"><\/span>Reason #16: Coping with Stimuli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Loud saddle racks or rowdy riders can overwhelm a <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/can-horses-sense-good-people\/\">horse&#8217;s senses<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Biting down gives them something constant to focus on amid chaos.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a self-soothing mechanism to block out scary things externally.<\/p>\n<p>The pressure grounds them so they don&#8217;t feel so on edge.<\/p>\n<p>It calms their nerves similar to deep breathing for humans in stressful times.&lt;\/<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_17_Encouraging_Circulation\"><\/span>Reason #17: Encouraging Circulation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All that grinding gets blood pumping to their faces and mouths.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a natural form of physical therapy for horses who don&#8217;t grimace.<\/p>\n<p>Better blood flow eases tension and swells which can cause bit pain.<\/p>\n<p>The motion may also relieve headaches or flu symptoms in their jaws.&lt;\/<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_18_Self-Grooming_Instincts\"><\/span>Reason #18: Self-Grooming Instincts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/can-a-horse-lick-a-salt-block-too-much\/\">Horses lick<\/a> each other&#8217;s necks and faces as natural social grooming.<\/p>\n<p>Chomping satisfies that innate urge for oral self-care without company.<\/p>\n<p>They clean their teeth and soothe itchy gums via grinding alone.&lt;\/<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a solitary way to enact herd behaviors when no other horses are near.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_19_Improving_Breathing\"><\/span>Reason #19: Improving Breathing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>That steady mouth motion is a type of natural equine yoga.<\/p>\n<p>It exercises their breathing by rhythmic bit grinding or sucking.<\/p>\n<p>Deeper inhales through the nose help calm their instincts and muscles.&lt;\/<\/p>\n<p>Regular chomping may even prevent some breathing issues down the road.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_20_Releasing_Tension\"><\/span>Reason #20: Releasing Tension<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like humans cracking their backs, chomping alleviates face tension.<\/p>\n<p>Those strong jaw muscles get sore carrying their massive heads daily.<\/p>\n<p>Grinding flexes them to relax after a long day of grazing or work.<\/p>\n<p>The repetitive motion has the same stress-busting effect as yoga or exercise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I&#8217;ll never forget the first time I saw my horse Sky chomping away at her bit like there was no tomorrow. At first I thought she was just being ornery, but it got me wondering &#8211; what exactly is going on inside that horse brain when they do that? Turns out there&#8217;s actually some good [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1327"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1327"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1350,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1327\/revisions\/1350"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}