How Horses View the World

Horses experience each moment as a collection of perceptions and emotions. They remember these moments as a series of mental images, rich with sights, sounds, tactile feelings, and emotions. If the image includes positive emotions, the horse will want to repeat it. Conversely, if the picture represents unpleasant emotions, the horse will seek to avoid that experience again.

Horses learn by comparing pictures stored in their memories. It only takes four to seven images of a particular activity for a horse to include it in their permanent memory “photo album.” Once imprinted in memory, the horse will look forward to recreating that image repeatedly. On the other hand, if the experience produces a “bad” photo, the horse will try to avoid similar scenes.

Think of each activity or bit of time you share with your horse as an opportunity to create a snapshot or painting to place in their memory album. If your horse tells you they do not like how a picture is coming together, stop and paint one that you know your horse enjoys.

When you and your horse are learning a new activity, build on the “happy themes” you both have previously enjoyed. Only change one small element of the picture at a time. A photo with too many new elements can worry your horse. Your horse finds comfort in familiar and happy experiences.