Horses are incredibly sensitive animals, known for their ability to pick up on subtle cues from their environment, including the emotions and thoughts of the people around them. What we think, feel, and project can have a profound impact on a horse’s behaviour, performance, and overall well-being. This phenomenon is not just psychological, it’s deeply rooted in the biology and sensory capabilities of horses.
I had a recent experience with a client where we were all three walking around the arena, myself, the rider, and a young freshly started horse. The horse was going beautifully until we began a conversation about our old beloved horses and how they passed. As we talked our young calm horse got tense and started looking for monsters outside the arena. We realised what was happening and changed the topic, and she calmed immediately. This was a good reminder for me of how powerful our thoughts, which then leads to words, emotions, and actions, can be.
Horses, being prey animals, are masters of reading body language and energy. They evolved to read nonverbal communication as understanding the intentions and emotions of other animals, predators, or herd members, was crucial for survival. They are finely tuned to body language, facial expressions, and even the energy or "vibes" a person projects. In the above scenario, we went from being fully focused on our young horse, to being immersed in grief and sad memories. This would have changed our energy completely, as well as removing us from supporting this young horse with her new experience. Horses can also sense when they are being asked to do something out of fear or frustration versus when they are being asked with calm confidence. When we are tense, fearful, or feel any strong emotion, horses may become anxious, reactive, hesitant, unresponsive, or even dangerous. On the flip side, if we are calm, confident, and clear in our intentions, the horse is more likely to feel secure and will respond with more trust and cooperation.
The connection between our mental state and the horse’s behaviour is not only emotional but also physical. We often underestimate how much our thoughts can affect our own physicality. A rider who is mentally distracted or unfocused may inadvertently shift their body weight in a way that confuses the horse, resulting in unbalanced movement or miscommunication. This can create a feedback loop where the rider's frustration or confusion about the horse’s reaction leads to more tension and miscommunication. Horses are naturally sensitive to changes in our posture, tension in muscles, breath, and weight distribution. When our mental state is calm, fluid, and clear, the horse is more likely to move with ease and grace.
Scientific studies in animal behaviour and neuroscience support the idea that what humans think, and feel, can influence the behaviour of animals, including horses. Horses are particularly adept at picking up on chemical signals, such as pheromones, which are released during stress or fear. When a rider is anxious, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which the horse can detect through smell. This biological response can further exacerbate the horse’s own anxiety, creating a cycle of stress between the two. Horses can distinguish between positive and negative emotional states in humans, reacting differently based on the emotional cues they pick up. When we remain calm and positive in our thoughts and demeanour, we are more likely to foster a similar emotional state in the horse.
Horses thrive on consistency, clarity, and calmness. When we are mentally focused on the task at hand, thinking through the steps of a manoeuvre or focusing on the desired outcome, the horse is more likely to stay calm and perform well. If our thoughts are scattered, or we are distracted by worries, the horse can pick up on that and become confused, frustrated, or reluctant to perform. We can build a stronger connection with horses through mental clarity. Developing a mindful, positive mental state is key. Techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and meditation can help us become more aware of our mental state and its impact on our horse. Staying calm, centred, and focused will not only improve our own performance but also enhance our horse’s comfort and willingness to cooperate.
How we think affects our horses in a myriad of ways. Our thoughts affect both our emotional state and our physicality. Understanding the powerful influence of mindset, body language, and emotional energy can help us foster stronger, more successful partnerships with our horses, built on trust, clarity, and mutual respect.
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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