Equine language

SIR – Riders (“Why horses snort”, Letters, July 23) should distinguish between the snort, which is usually a sign of annoyance or alarm, and the blow.

The hard, percussive out-blowing of the nostrils serves to clear dust and mucus. However, there is also a soft, almost contemplative out-blowing when at rest, which seems to be the horse equivalent of a sigh of content.

Cynthia Harrod-eagles

Northwood, Middlesex