Horses are often regarded as majestic, strong, powerful animals. Their sheer size, muscular build, and swift movements make them seem like they could conquer anything that comes their way. But when we look a little deeper, we realize these beautiful creatures are not as tough as they appear. Beneath that muscular exterior, horses are surprisingly gentle and sensitive, often more afraid of the world around them than we might expect.
The Size Factor: An Illusion of Invincibility
Horses can seem intimidating. They are large, with some breeds standing over two meters tall at the shoulder and weighing more than half a ton. Their strength and agility add to their aura of invincibility. But despite their size, horses are prey animals by nature, and the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. In the wild, their survival depends on being constantly alert to potential threats, making them cautious, and sometimes skittish or afraid. They rely on their keen senses and quick reflexes to flee from danger. This instinct does not disappear when they're domesticated. We can use training to help horses be less fearful, but we cannot remove this natural aspect of who they are.
Startled by the Unexpected
Anyone who's spent time around horses has witnessed them reacting with fear to something. A sudden movement, a loud noise, or even a shadow can send a horse into a frenzy, causing them to bolt, rear up, or simply freeze in place. A horse might spook at something as simple as a bag blowing in the wind, or the sound of a bird fluttering in the bushes. These reactions might seem exaggerated to us, but they are rooted in the horse’s deep-seated survival instincts. Even something as seemingly benign as a new person or unfamiliar object can be enough to make a horse nervous. Their first response is often to shy away from the unknown, and it takes time and patience for them to gain trust and confidence in new things.
The Gentle Giant Syndrome
While horses are quick to react to potential threats, their temperament is typically gentle and kind. Horses are incredibly social animals, forming deep connections with other horses, as well as with the people who care for them. These bonds help to ease their anxieties enabling them to cope with things they wouldn't be able to on their own. Once they trust a person, they can become incredibly affectionate, seeking out attention and offering nuzzles. This warmth and kindness is in stark contrast to the tough, powerful image they project to the world. Horses are also known for their sensitivity to peoples’ moods, often mirroring the emotions of those around them. A calm, patient person will often have a calm, patient horse, while a nervous or anxious handler may have a horse who feels uneasy.
Fear and the Need for Trust
The key to managing a horse’s fear is building trust. Horses need to feel secure in their environment, which means they often need time to get comfortable with new situations or people. It’s a gradual process that requires patience, understanding, and consistency. By rewarding horses for calm behaviour, we can help them associate certain situations with positive outcomes, reducing fear and anxiety over time. However, even the most well-trained horse can still spook if they encounter something unexpected. It’s just part of being a prey animal - always on alert, always prepared to run at the slightest provocation. Understanding and accepting this makes it easier for us to remain calm in situations that become elevated, and this helps our horses deal with whatever the situation is.
The Paradox of Horses: Strength and Sensitivity
Horses are fascinating creatures because they embody paradox. They are powerful, yet fragile; strong, yet soft; confident, yet fearful. They can run at incredible speeds and carry heavy loads, yet they can also be brought to tears by something as simple as a new noise or unfamiliar object. This combination of strength and vulnerability is part of what makes horses so special.
Horses are not the impenetrable, fearless creatures that they appear to be. Instead, they are sensitive beings, guided by instinct and emotion, navigating a world that sometimes seems full of dangers. And while horses might spook easily, they also have an incredible capacity for trust, affection, and connection. They are much more than their imposing size and strength. Horses are big strong creatures with tender hearts, gentle giants always ready to surprise us with their vulnerability and softness.
Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc.Dip.Couns.
Happy Horses Bitless
Considerate Horsemanship
Email: suzy@happyhorsesbitless.com
Lismore, NSW, Australia
Ph: 0401 249 263
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