A scientific study published in 2024 has explained how horses produce their well-known whinny, a loud call used in social situations. The research found that horses can create both low and high sounds at the same time, which is unusual for large animals. The study was conducted by an international research team based in European animal biology centers. Scientists focused on this topic because horse vocal sounds play an important role in social behavior, including greeting other horses and showing excitement.

To understand how the sound is made, researchers used several modern techniques. These included placing small cameras inside the nasal passages, using detailed medical scans, and testing airflow through preserved horse voice boxes. The results showed that two sound systems work together during a whinny. The low sound comes from tissues in the voice box that vibrate when air passes through. The high sound is produced when air moves through a small opening above the tissues, creating a whistle-like effect. Researchers noted that horses are the largest mammals known to produce a whistle inside the voice box. This ability may allow horses to communicate more detailed information during social interaction. The findings also raise questions about how this vocal skill developed and its possible role in both wild and domesticated horses.