* Grinding: Their teeth are designed for grinding tough vegetation, and chewing helps break down the food into smaller particles that are easier to digest.
* Saliva production: Chewing stimulates saliva production, which is crucial for moistening the food and aiding in digestion.
* Taste: Horses use their tongues and mouths to taste their food, and chewing helps them to fully experience the flavors.
* Relaxation: Chewing can be a calming and relaxing behavior for horses.
Why horses quid differently from humans:
Horses have different teeth than humans. Their teeth are designed for grinding tough vegetation, rather than tearing and cutting. This means they have to chew their food much more thoroughly to break it down.
Horses also have a different digestive system than humans. They are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Their digestive system is designed to digest tough plant matter, which requires more chewing to break it down.
"Quidding" can also be a sign of a problem:
Sometimes, "quidding" can be a sign of a problem with the horse's teeth, such as:
* Overgrown teeth: If the horse's teeth are overgrown, they can't grind their food properly, and may spit out chewed pieces of food.
* Dental disease: Dental disease can make it painful for the horse to chew, and they may also spit out food.
* Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can also cause quidding.
If you notice your horse quidding more than usual, it is important to have their teeth checked by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.