WHAT ‘PAIN FACE’ LOOKS LIKE
These drawings, made by Andrea Klintbjer for the 2014 Danish study “An Equine Pain Face” (led by Karina B Gleerup), help to illuminate the subtle signs that may indicate your horse is in pain.
Lowered, backward-facing ears (may also be asymmetrical).
Tension above the eye, giving the upper eyelid an angled or V-shaped appearance (eyes may also be partially closed).
Prominent, strained chewing muscles.
Upper lip drawn back; chin more pronounced.
Nostrils dilated on the sides, giving a squarish appearance and a flatter profile.