Horses that are depressed or experiencing abdominal pain (colic) will often stand with their head in the corner of their stall. In contrast, this observation refers to a horse that is actually pressing their head firmly and compulsively against a wall. This is rare behavior, and is usually associated with severe neurologic (brain) disease.

NOTE: This observation is associated with Rabies, which is very rare in horses but does occur. As a precaution, wear gloves when handling a horse exhibiting this sign.

Horses showing true head pressing will usually show other signs of brain disease such as depression, loss of appetite, wobbliness, apparent blindness, among others. Horses that are dying of other causes, such as intestinal rupture, for instance, may also engage in this behavior.