horse nodding its head in gates

Question
hello ma'am, this is a doubt regarding horses but discipline is racing. hope you can answer it.

i have seen few horses nodding their head when they are loaded in the gates. they stay quiet without shaking their legs but nod their head. may i know why? what does it really mean?

Answer
I would imagine it is still nervousness.  Also the jockets may have to be pulling on them a bit to keep them from pushing against the gate.

This could cause the bit to go against their muth and cause a bit of discomfort and cause them to shake their heads.

These are just my ideas.......thank you for asking...


Mitzi