nickering
Soft equine vocalization
Nickering is the soft, low whinnying sound a horse makes, typically as a greeting or expression of anticipation—often when it sees its owner or expects food.
The sound is gentler and quieter than a full whinny: The mare started nickering when she heard the grain bucket.
People occasionally use it for similar sounds from other animals or humans.
Soft equine call
- neighHorse's vocal call
- snortNoisy nasal exhale
- mareFemale adult equine
- stallionIntact male breeding horse
foal · colt · filly · gelding · pony · mustang · muzzle · mane
Yielding to touch
- low-pitchedHaving a bass frequency
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- vibratingTrembling rapidly in place
- rumblingLow rolling sound
breathy · gentle · quiet · rhythmic · pulsing · nostril · muzzle · lips
Perceiving something as known
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
approach · familiar · bonding · affection · connection · trust · companionship · arrival
Free from agitation
- relaxedFree of stress
- comfortablePhysically at ease
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- peacefulFree from disturbance
reassuring · warm · friendly · trusting · settled · ease · satisfaction · security
whinny
Soft equine call
stallion · foal · colt · filly · gelding · pony · mustang · muzzle · mane · hoofbeats
soft
Yielding to touch
- low-pitchedHaving a bass frequency
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- vibratingTrembling rapidly in place
rumbling · breathy · gentle · quiet · rhythmic · pulsing · nostril · muzzle · lips · throaty
recognition
Perceiving something as known
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- anticipationState of awaiting something
eagerness · approach · familiar · bonding · affection · connection · trust · companionship · arrival · feeding time
calm
Free from agitation
- relaxedFree of stress
- comfortablePhysically at ease
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
peaceful · reassuring · warm · friendly · trusting · settled · ease · satisfaction · security · maternal