A horse snorting is not at all like a cat purring

sir – I can’t help thinking that the scientists researching horse snorting (report, July 12) have got it upside down. They suggest that snorting is associated with “positive situations and with a positive internal state”.

I’ve had the pleasure of the company of horses over the past 60 years and they all snort when they see or hear something strange that needs looking at – before either advancing cautiously or retreating to a safe distance.

In its stable, a horse is generally relaxed and confident. Not much to snort at. In the paddock there can be a lot going on. Horses are by nature flight animals and take a great interest in anything strange. Some snort with such force when startled it can be quite alarming.

The snort also alerts nearby horses and they will come up to assess the threat. I see this daily with my horses in the paddock under my window. Snorting is not any measure of happiness.

Jane Hooker

Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Not to be snorted at: head from the Jockey of Artemision Greek bronze, 2nd century BC