Understanding Horses – some facts we all need to know when working with our equine friends
Welcome to the fascinating world of horses, where communication goes beyond words and understanding relies on a deep appreciation of their sensory world. At Horses for Hope, we believe that forging a strong connection with horses begins with an understanding of their senses and the unique characteristics of their brains. In this blog, we will explore how horses perceive the world through smell, hearing, sight, and touch, as well as delve into the key differences between the equine and human brain. Understanding these aspects is crucial for becoming safe and effective leaders for our equine companions.
Sensory Insights:
Smell: Horses have an extraordinary sense of smell, surpassing even that of dogs. Their highly developed olfactory system allows them to detect scents over vast distances. Horses use their keen sense of smell to identify friends, foes, and even human emotions (through the human release of stress chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline). As calm leaders, it is vital for us to appreciate the significance of scent in their world and to approach them with mindfulness and awareness.
Hearing: Horses boast an amazing sense of hearing, capable of detecting frequencies between 55 Hz to 33 kHz (and it is said they can hear our heartbeat from 10m away). This is why we need to give our horses extra patience on a windy day. Their large, mobile ears (capable of rotating 180 degrees) serve not only as auditory tools but also as a means of expressing their emotions. Understanding that horses are sensitive to sudden, loud noises allows us to create a calm and reassuring environment. By regulating our own vocal tones and being mindful of our surroundings, we can establish a foundation of trust with our equine companions.
Sight: While horses' vision differs from humans, they possess a wide field of view—approximately 350 degrees. Their ears will follow what they see. However, their depth perception is limited, and they have a blind spot directly in front and behind their tail (hence why we never walk behind a horse). Understanding these differences is vital for safe interaction. Approaching a horse from the side and allowing them to see us clearly helps prevent startling reactions, ensuring a sense of security and trust.
Touch: The sense of touch plays a vital role in the equine world. Horses don’t have fingertips so their whiskers on their muzzle are used to investigate things. Horses communicate through physical contact within the herd, conveying comfort, reassurance, and boundaries. As leaders our touch should be gentle and purposeful, fostering a sense of security and companionship. Understanding the nuances of equine body language helps us establish a bond built on mutual respect.
Brain Differences:
Understanding the differences between the horse and human brain is paramount in building a successful partnership.
Horse's brains are the size of a large grapefruit and visual signs are processed independently on each side of their brain, which is why they might spook on one side after being desensitised on the other. They are prey animals with a highly developed limbic system, governing emotions, and instincts – they are responding to what is immediately around them in their environment. When a horse wants to investigate something, they first process it visually, then smell it, then feel it with their whiskers.
Human brains, on the other hand, have a more complex neocortex, responsible for advanced cognitive functions (planning, organising, strategizing etc). Recognizing these distinctions helps us tailor our interactions, respecting the horse's natural instincts and responses. Some people think that horses can manipulate or “pull one over you”, but the fact is that their brains are simply not capable of higher order thinking, they are just responding to what is immediately in front of them (including humans).
Regulating the Nervous System:
To be safe and effective leaders, we must regulate our nervous system in the presence of horses. Horses are highly attuned to our emotional states, and a calm, centred leader fosters a secure environment. Practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and self-awareness enable us to manage our energy and emotions, promoting a positive connection with our equine companions.
Embarking on a journey with horses goes beyond riding and training; it is a voyage into understanding and respecting their sensory experiences and unique neurological makeup. At Horses for Hope, we encourage every horse enthusiast to deepen their connection by immersing themselves in the equine world. Through heightened sensory awareness, knowledge of brain differences, and a regulated nervous system, we can become the safe and compassionate leaders that horses instinctively seek.
Some further reading on the topic:
“Evidence-based Horsemanship” by Dr. Stephen Peters & Martin Black
“Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship” by Janet L Jones
“The Principles of Training: Understanding The Relationship Between You and Your Horse, and Why Effective Training Works” by Warwick Schiller
