It has been said that horses are one of the most intelligent, loyal and sensitive creatures on the planet. As such, it’s no surprise that they have a unique way of viewing humans. Horses have a natural instinct to be wary of unfamiliar people, but with proper training and a bond of trust, they can come to view humans as friends and companions. In this article, we’ll explore how horses view humans and what we can do to foster a positive relationship between us.
Horses’ Natural Instincts
Horses have an inherent biological drive to survive in the wild. As prey animals, they are constantly on the lookout for potential danger or threats. This means that when a horse first encounters a human, they will likely be wary and defensive. The horse’s first instinct is to flee and hide, but if this is not possible, they may resort to aggressive behavior such as biting and kicking.
The Bond of Trust
In order for horses to view humans as friends and companions, a bond of trust must be established. This bond is built over time, as the horse learns to trust the human and the human shows the horse kindness and respect. The key to forming this bond is consistency. Horses need to know that the human will be there for them, no matter what. This may involve spending time with the horse every day, providing treats, and engaging in activities such as grooming, riding, or just being together.
The Importance of Training
Training is essential when it comes to developing a positive relationship between horses and humans. Horses need to be taught how to respond to commands, how to accept a rider, and how to move safely in different environments. Training helps to build trust, as the horse learns that the human is in control and will protect them from harm. It also gives the horse a sense of purpose and can help to strengthen the bond between horse and human.
Body Language
Horses use body language to communicate with humans and other horses. They use facial expressions, ear movements, and posturing to show how they are feeling. It is important to pay attention to these cues, as they can give us insight into how the horse is feeling and what they need. Understanding body language can help us better understand how horses view us, and how we can best interact with them.
Horses’ Sense of Smell
Horses have an incredibly powerful sense of smell which they use to help them identify potential threats or unfamiliar people. They can pick up on subtle nuances in the scent of a person and associate it with a particular emotion or experience. This means that the way a human smells can have an impact on how a horse perceives them. It is important to remember that horses may respond differently to different people based on their individual smell.
Horses’ Sense of Hearing
Horses also have an incredibly powerful sense of hearing. They can pick up on subtle nuances in the sound of a person’s voice and associate it with a particular emotion or experience. Horses are particularly sensitive to the sound of their own names, and they may respond positively when they are called by name. They can also pick up on the tone and volume of a person’s voice, so it is important to speak to them in a calm and gentle manner.
The Importance of Touch
Touch is an important part of how horses view humans. Horses are naturally curious creatures and they enjoy being touched and groomed. Touch can help to build trust and create a bond between the horse and the human. It is important to be gentle and mindful when touching a horse, as they can be easily startled or scared.
Horses’ Memories
Horses have an incredible memory and can remember people, places, and experiences for years. This means that they may remember negative experiences just as easily as positive ones. It is important to remember that horses will remember how they were treated and this may affect how they view humans in the future.
Conclusion
Horses view humans in a unique and individual way. They have a natural instinct to be wary of unfamiliar people, but with proper training and a bond of trust, they can come to view humans as friends and companions. Understanding how horses view us can help us foster a positive relationship with them and ensure that our interactions are safe and enjoyable for both parties.
Keywords: horses, view, humans, trust, training, body language, sense of smell, sense of hearing, touch, memories.