Why horses snort

SIR – I have to agree with Jane Hooker (“A horse snorting is not at all like a cat purring,” Letters, July 20) that scientists perhaps need to re-evaluate their conclusions.

My horse, Murphy, is known to my riding friends as Elf ’n’safety as he always takes the lead on a hack, but should anything unusual – in his opinion – be spotted, copious snorting ensues. The volume is in proportion to the size of the perceived problem. He then, almost imperceptibly, slows down enough for the others to overtake him.

He resumes pole position once the threat has been passed. I like to believe his “after you” policy is a result of the good manners I try to teach him and not just a survival instinct coupled with a degree of cowardice.

The snorting is most definitely not linked to a positive internal state. Sally Lloyd

Sandhurst, Berkshire

SIR – My experience concurs with the initial research findings that snorting relates to an expression of pleasure. I have been fortunate to spend many happy hours on long trail rides in areas of the world where one can canter endlessly amid stunning scenery. After such canters it is common for the very fit horses to snort.

It has always seemed to me that this is an expression of sheer exhilaration, one very much shared by their human passengers. Certainly no danger is in evidence as suggested by Jane Hooker.

Maybe snorting is complex, with different snorts for different reasons. Tony Marshall

Rudgwick, West Sussex