By Amanda Held
What your horses are REALLY trying to tell you through their actions and inactions and why you should listen
Before we embark on the journey of unraveling the intricacies of equine communication, let's address an unpopular but vital perspective: YOUR HORSE CANNOT FEEL HUMAN EMOTIONS AS YOU DO. Pause and reflect. Repeat if necessary. To establish an authentic connection with your equine companion, it's crucial to comprehend that horses' mental and emotional experiences differ from ours.
It's undeniable that horses wouldn't willingly choose to participate in approximately 90% of the tasks we routinely ask of them. Can you envision a horse voluntarily donning a saddle and confidently striding into a show arena? Opting to confine itself in a stall? Deliberately entering what it perceives as a high-risk environment? The truth is, probably not. Yet, this realization doesn't negate the possibility of cultivating a profound, harmonious relationship with our equine counterparts. It simply underscores the need to adapt our perceptions and refine our ability to truly listen.
Here's a closer look at three common communication errors people make with their horses and alternative, research-backed strategies to consider:
MISCONCEPTION #1: Anthropomorphizing Equine Behavior
Drawing from my almost two decades in horse training, I've encountered an array of justifications. "My horse is simply stubborn," "Performing boosts my horse's morale," "My horse battles anxiety..." Yet, the reality is more nuanced. Horses, by virtue of their biology, REACT to stimuli in their environment. Does this imply horses lack emotions? Absolutely not. Rather, it underscores the dissimilarity in how they communicate.
Research Insight:
Studies in animal cognition, such as those conducted by Dr. Frans de Waal, emphasize that animals, including horses, possess intricate emotional lives. However, their emotions are distinct from human emotions due to evolutionary and neurobiological differences.
MISCONCEPTION #2: Neglecting Evolutionary Responses
The worlds of human psychology and equine behavior often diverge. As we immerse ourselves in the equestrian realm, it's essential to recognize that horses have evolved with finely tuned instincts. Their reactions to stimuli are deeply rooted in their survival mechanisms. Acknowledging and understanding these innate behaviors is fundamental to establishing a genuine understanding.
Research Insight:
Ethological studies, like those by Dr. Temple Grandin, reveal that horses exhibit behaviors that are adaptive to their wild ancestors' survival strategies. These behaviors influence how horses perceive and react to various situations.
MISCONCEPTION #3: Overlooking Subtle Equine Cues
Horses communicate primarily through intricate body language. A flick of the ear, a shift in weight, a gentle nuzzle – these are their vocabulary. Regrettably, we often overlook these subtleties as we focus on our cues. Developing a sensitivity to their nonverbal communication fosters a more authentic connection.
Research Insight:
Equine ethologist Rachaël Draaisma, in her book "Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses," delves into the nuances of equine body language, highlighting the importance of observing and interpreting these gestures to comprehend a horse's state of mind.
Embrace the Equine Dialogue
The ultimate question remains: how can we bridge the gap in communication? Start by setting aside preconceived notions and genuinely listening to the unspoken equine conversation. Recognize that your horse responds according to their instincts, not to deliberately challenge you. Tailoring your approach to align with their perspective invites willing engagement.
Join the Conversation
Thank you for taking the time to read this post! I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or experiences—feel free to share them in the comments below. If you found this blog helpful, please share it with fellow equestrians who might benefit from these insights. Together, we can build a more compassionate and connected equine community! 🐴✨
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Resources & Additional Information
de Waal, F. B. M. (2019). Mama's Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us About Ourselves. W. W. Norton & Company.
Frans de Waal explores the emotional lives of animals, including distinctions between human and animal emotions, providing valuable insights into understanding horses' emotional and behavioral responses.
Grandin, T., & Johnson, C. (2005). Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. Scribner.
Temple Grandin's work highlights the evolutionary basis of animal behaviors, emphasizing how horses' reactions are rooted in survival instincts and adaptive strategies.
Draaisma, R. (2017). Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses. CRC Press.
This book focuses on equine body language, offering a detailed exploration of how to interpret the subtle cues horses use to communicate their emotions and intentions.
McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Equitation Science. Wiley-Blackwell.
A foundational text for understanding the science of horse behavior and learning, addressing how horses communicate and respond to stimuli within their environment.
Søndergaard, E., & Christensen, J. W. (2007). The effect of social environment and handling on behavioral and stress responses of horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 104(1-2), 64-76.
This study investigates how different handling techniques impact horses' stress and behavior, reinforcing the importance of recognizing subtle equine communication cues.
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