MUZZLE

The horse's muzzle is a sensitive part of the body that includes the lips, chin, nostrils. Horses have a very acute sense of smell that they use to scent enemies and danger, find food and water, and recognize other horses.

The mouth - which includes the teeth, lips, gums, tongue - and the muzzle, and head are what humans use to control the horse while riding.

The bit fits into the horse's mouth, resting on the bars of the jaw.

The headstall fits around the horse's head, holding the bit in the mouth and exerting pressure on the top of the horse's head - known as the poll.

Reins are attached to the bit allowing the rider to have contact with the horse's mouth and aid the rider in controlling the horse. You should never jerk on a horse's mouth while riding, this can seriously harm the mouth and cause pain to the horse that may ruin it.

Horse's use their powerful lips to guide grass, leaves, hay and grain into their mouth. When cropping grass they line it up so it can be torn off close to the ground with their strong teeth. (To learn more about how the horse evolved, please visit our Evolution of the Horse Slide Show)

You can tell a horse's age by it's teeth, too. Click here to see the various stages.

When horse's drink they suck up the water through their lips and over their tongue. Sometimes they leave their tongue sticking out after they are finished and it looks really cute!

Some horse's don't like to be petted on their muzzle. It isn't a good idea, anyway, because some horse's also bite!

Click on any of the links on this page to open a popup with more information and pictures.