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May 14, 2008 - Ask Monty Question

Question:
I have heard different explanations for the gesture of licking and chewing. Please tell me how you learned this and how you respond to people who question your conclusion.

Monty's Answer:
I first came to study the gesture of licking and chewing in 1948. It had to do with mustangs that would use this gesture with other horses in the family group. I have concluded that it is primarily a gesture of contentment and relaxation. At no time, did I ever conclude that it only followed an episode of violence.

The people who differ with this conclusion have, in my opinion, misread the horse. I feel more confident with this answer than any other I’ve given. I have worked alongside such outstanding horseman as Leon Harrel, Richard Shrake, Simon Stokes, Brian Neubert, Pat Parelli, Bill and Tom Dorrance, Buck Brannaman, Charles Wilhelm, Pony Boy, Ray Hunt, John Lyons and many others who have stated categorically that they read licking and chewing just as I do.

I have read their books and watched their videos with intense interest in expanding my knowledge. I believe that this collection of horsemen would represent more than 300,000 horses in training. I would be more than happy to answer an invitation to observe any qualified scientist who would choose to demonstrate for me their position in this matter.

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