Why Your Horse Might Be Sticking Its Tongue Out

Let me paint a quick picture.
You’re standing at the barn, brushing your horse, and there it is—the tongue. A long pink ribbon slipping out like your horse is teasing you or trying to say something you missed.
People notice this often, and the first thought is usually the same:
“Is my horse okay?”

So let’s talk through it. Think of this as a simple barn-aisle conversation. Just you, our experts at mypetpit, and the real reasons a horse sticking its tongue out happens more than you’d expect.

It’s Not Always a Problem

Horses are characters. Some stick their tongues out as a habit. Or others do it when relaxed. While some do it while waiting for treats.
A playful horse sticking its tongue out can look silly, and yes—it’s often harmless.

But sometimes, a horse tongue hanging out signals discomfort, dental issues, or tack problems. The key is to watch for patterns.

When It Becomes a Habit

Some horses learn the behavior early.
They might play with the bit, twist their tongue, or let it hang out when they’re bored.
Over time, it becomes second nature.

If this is your horse, you’ll notice the same relaxed look every time. A habitual horse sticking its tongue out usually isn’t in pain—it’s just their quirk.

Check the Tack: Is the Bit Comfortable?

A tight noseband or a bit that doesn’t fit right can make a horse with tongue hanging out try to escape pressure.
You might see this during riding, cooling down, or even while grazing after a ride.

Things to check:

• Bit thickness
  
• Bit height
  
• Noseband tightness
  
• Any rubbing or pinching
  

A small adjustment can stop a horse tongue hanging out during work.

Dental Problems Are a Common Cause

If your horse is sticking its tongue out while chewing, working, or resting, it might be trying to avoid sharp points or dental pain.

Watch for:

• Dropping hay
  
• Chewing slowly
  
• Tilting the head
  
• Unusual mouth movements
  

A simple dental float often solves the issue. Many cases of a horse sticking its tongue out start with routine dental needs.

Neurological Causes (Less Common but Important)

Sometimes, a horse tongue that hangs out consistently is tied to nerve damage or an old injury.

Signals to pay attention to:

• Tongue seems weak
  
• Horse can’t pull it back fully
  
• Drooling
  
• Trouble eating
  

If a horse tongue hanging out appears suddenly or stays out for hours, a vet check is important.

Stress or Work Pressure

Some horses stick their tongues out when they’re mentally overwhelmed or frustrated during training.

A stressed horse may:

• Grind teeth
  
• Pin ears
  
• Push against the bit
  
• Flick its tongue repeatedly
  

Resetting the training approach often helps. Slower steps. Softer hands. More breaks.

A stressed horse sticking its tongue out is trying to communicate discomfort.

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Relaxation and Contentment

Believe it or not, you’ll catch many horses letting their tongue poke out when they’re half asleep.

This version of a horse sticking its tongue out is the cute one:

• Droopy eyes
  
• Relaxed lower lip
  
• Soft breathing

It’s one of the sweetest signs of trust.

When the Tongue Hangs Out Constantly

A horse with tongue hanging out all day—while grazing, resting, walking—needs an exam.
It could be:

• Nerve injury
  
• Past bit trauma
  
• Mouth scarring
  
• Old accident
  

Most true “dangling tongue” cases aren’t painful but do need vet insight to keep the horse eating safely.

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How to Know When to Call the Vet

Here’s a simple guide:
Call your vet if your horse’s tongue behavior is suddenly new, doesn’t go away, or affects chewing and weight.

A sudden horse sticking its tongue out paired with:

• Drooling
  
• Poor chewing
  
• Tight neck muscles
  
• Head tilting
  
• Food falling out
  

… usually means something deeper is going on.

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How to Help Your Horse at Home

You can start with easy steps:

1. Check the bit and noseband fit.
   
2. Soften your hands during rides.
   
3. Get a dental exam twice a year.
   
4. Watch for stress signals during training.
   
5. Keep sessions shorter if your horse gets tense.
   

Simple adjustments make a big difference for a horse sticking its tongue out out of discomfort.

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