Can a horse swallow its tongue?

No. A horse cannot physically swallow its tongue—it is anatomically impossible.

The familiar expression “swallowing its tongue” usually refers to a condition called dorsal displacement of the soft palate. This occurs when the soft palate moves over the epiglottis, partially obstructing the airway. It can cause a gurgling or choking sound during strenuous exercise and may affect the horse’s performance.

In some cases, this can happen when a horse attempts to move its tongue to avoid pressure from the bit. Various items of racing equipment may be used to help prevent the problem.