what noise does a horse make

A horse most famously neighs (also called a whinny), but it actually makes several different sounds, each with its own meaning.

Main sounds horses make

• Neigh / whinny: Loud, high-pitched call used to communicate over distance, often for greeting, calling to other horses, or showing mild anxiety.

• Nicker: Soft, low, vibrating sound made with the mouth closed, often when a horse is happy to see someone or wants attention or food.

• Snort / blow: Sharp exhale through the nostrils that can signal alertness, mild alarm, or clearing the airways when something seems unfamiliar.

• Groan / grunt: Low, guttural sounds that can occur with exertion or discomfort; repeated groaning or grunting can mean the horse is in pain or stressed.

• Squeal: Short, sharp sound often heard when horses meet, argue over space or hierarchy, or when a horse is annoyed.

So if you’re answering “what noise does a horse make?” in a simple way, “A horse neighs (whinnies)” is correct—but in real life they have a whole vocabulary of neighs, nickers, snorts, groans, grunts, and squeals.