Why do Horses Roll

Horses rolling are often seen around in pastures or stalls, but many equestrians may not fully understand the real reasons why these herd animals engage in this playful looking behavior.

As horse owners, it’s important to recognize the important scientific functions that rolling serves. This text seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of the neurological, physiological, and social purposes at the back of a horse’s natural inclination to roll.

More Than Just Scratching An Itch:

While scratching or relieving an itch from parasites or dirt buildup is certainly one driver for rolling behavior, studies show there are much deeper motivations at play.

On a basic survival level, rolling coats the horse’s skin in natural oils produced by specialized sebaceous glands^[1]. These oils provide a thin, antiseptic moisture barrier that protects the epidermis from potential irritants and injury from abrasive elements like sun exposure, pesky insects, or accidental nips and scrapes from herd mates.

From a neurological standpoint, scientists have discovered that rolling triggers the nucleus accumbent and other pleasure centers within the equine brain in very similar ways to how human laughter stimulates our reward pathways^[2]. Brain imaging and observational research indicates that horses rolling fulfills an innate need to manage stress levels and regulate equine moods.

Even horses rolling with no obvious signs of irritation still exhibit rolling habits, indicating its functions extend beyond a simple itch response.

Digging deeper, we can see horses rolling also meets important social and behavioral needs for horses. Foals will instinctively roll together in play wrestling sessions that help strengthen maternal bonds and teach coordination and control of their growing bodies.

Adult horses rolling may incorporate whole body as a way to establish social hierarchies or resolve conflicts within the herd in a relatively low aggression manner compared to kicking, biting or rearing^[3]. Allowing subordinates to briefly roll over in submission can diffuse tense situations before they escalate. Bonding and communications are vital for herd cohesion and survival on the open plains.

Physiological Rewards of Whole Body Rolling:

Beyond these behavioral aspects, equine anatomists have also observed key physiological effects that rolling provides:

Muscle Flexibility and Circulation: The full body, twisting motions employed during rolling exercises all muscle groups from the neck down.

This contrasting flexion and relaxation improves circulation, relieves tightness or tension, and reduces risk of strains or pulled muscles over time. Studies show horses that are allowed regular rolling opportunities suffer less common muscle or joint issues compared to stall bound counterparts.

Shedding and Regrowth: As the thick winter coat is sloughed off, rolling’s friction scraping stimulates new hairs to replace it with a lighter, more temperature appropriate summer coat. Without this abrasive casting, shedding could be less even and complete. Some breeds like Fjords rely entirely on rolling and self grooming to naturally change their coats.

Thermoregulation: The cooling mist of self applied skin oils helps regulate a horse’s thermal balance by distributing a thin, wicking layer over the entire surface. Sweltering muscles are soothed, and moisture is absorbed rather than staying pooled in heavy clumps. Research found rolling horses stayed ~5°F cooler on hot days versus non rollers.

What’s clear is natural, horses voluntary rolling yields benefits across whole body systems. In the wild, these rewards would directly improve a horse’s health, endurance, and long term viability on the open plains.

Subtle Signs Your Horse Needs To Roll:

In domestic settings, some horses may not have adequate space, surfaces or freedom to roll at will. But owners attentive to body language can spot subtle signs a roll is needed:

• Pawing or nibbling at themselves indicates potential irritation underneath
• Repeatedly shaking or twitching their coat signifies disruption of natural oils
• Yawning, dozing briefly upright or inability to stand calmly suggests an unraveling mental state in need of relief
• Repeated mouthing or chewing motions mimic rubbing against solid surfaces to alleviate tension areas
• Skin twitching or swishing tails frequently could arise from minor skin irritations left unattended

Allowing safe areas with elastic surfaces like deep shavings where a horse can fully extend to their preferred side recreates natural stress relieving abilities. Catching signs early prevents minor issues from escalating into displacement behaviors like cribbing or weaving that compromise wellbeing.

Additional Perks of the Pastime:

While scientific data reveals rolling’s depth of purpose, surveys of horse owners and casual observations in pastures together point to residual “side benefits” as well:

• Social bonding is strengthened as heartmates mimic and join others enjoying the activity
• Digestive motility is stimulated through the massaging motions along the abdomen
• Parasite eggs and larvae lodged in the coat are effectively crushed, decreasing reinfection risks
• Minor injuries get disinfected through the antiseptic properties of freshly applied skin oils
• Muscle memory and experience gained through play as a foal translates to better agility and coordination as an adult

With so many layered benefits for health, behavior and even basic survival level priorities, it’s little wonder horses have evolved to rely on whole body rolling as instinctively as grazing or running. Their very bodies and social systems have adapted around its importance.

Prioritizing Rolling Opportunities:

As horse caretakers, understanding these scientific purposes enables better care through some simple adjustments:

• Designating portions of pastures or stalls with deep, loose bedding for maximal rolling ease
• Observing body language and preventing mild signs from escalating into bad habits or vices
• Avoiding restrictive blankets, braids or clipping that disrupt natural coat conditioning
• Respecting a horse’s urge to roll even without visible cues like excessive scratching
• Recognizing differences in surfaces, companionship needs between individuals
• Regularly aerating and top dressing pasture soils to eliminate minor skin irritants

Prioritizing horses rolling allows domestic’ innate behaviors to still be naturally fulfilled despite confined living arrangements. Satisfying this deep  rooted need supports equine well being, soundness and quality of life in our care. With diligent monitoring and accommodations, they can continue to reap rolling’s wide array of benefits for mind, muscle and coat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Are horses happy when they roll?

A: Horses roll for pleasure when they are relaxed and feel it is safe to do so.

Q: What does it mean when a horse takes a roll?

A: To help with shedding their coat and to maintain their coat and body temperature too.

Q: Why do horses roll after a bath?

A: To help remove excess water and sweat.

Q: Is rolling good for a horse?

A: Rolling can help to keep your horse’s spine in alignment, naturally correcting vertebral subluxations. 

Q: Should I let my horse roll?

A: If the horse lies quietly, let them lie. 

Conclusion:

The science clearly illustrates that rolling fulfills far more critical purposes for horses rolling than a simple itch response. From regulating stress levels and social communication to shedding coats and flexing muscles, these whole body motions are deeply ingrained in equine physiology and behavior.

By understanding their horse’s natural inclinations, owners can better support strong physical and mental wellbeing through allowing freedom and safe opportunities for horses rolling. A horse that can follow its instincts is less likely to develop vices or health problems down the road.

Overall, horses have evolved to rely on rolling, let’s help them keep enjoying its many proven benefits.