Lesson 1 of 3 · 8 minutes
Thinking like a prey animal
Why horses notice tiny things, and why that matters when we're with them.
Built to notice
In the wild, horses survived by spotting danger early. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads, giving them almost all-round vision, except right in front of their nose and directly behind.
Safety in the herd
Horses feel safest in a group. They take turns resting while others keep watch. That's why horses often check on each other.
What this means for us
Sudden movements or loud sounds can surprise a horse. Moving predictably and letting a horse see you is respectful and safe.
Check your understanding
1. Where are a horse's blind spots?
2. Why do horses feel safer in a herd?
Take-away
Horses notice everything, being predictable helps them trust us.