Horses experience each moment as a collection of perceptions and emotions. They remember these moments as a series of mental images. The images are full of sight, sound, tactile feelings and emotions. If the image includes positive emotions, the horse will want to repeat the image. If the picture represents unpleasant emotions, the horse will not want to experience that “picture” 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 the activity in his or her permanent memory photo album. Once imprinted in the memory the horse will look forward to recreating that photo again and again. On the other hand, if the experience produced a “bad” photo, he or she will try to avoid similar scenes.
Think of each activity or bit of time you share with your horse as a time for creating a snap-shot or painting to place in his or her memory album. If your horse tells you that he or she does not like how a picture is coming together, stop painting it 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 worries your horse. Your horse finds comfort in familiar and happy experiences.
By Chris Forté
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References:
Temple Grandin, Thinking in Pictures, 1995, ISBN # 0-679-77289-8
Dr. Patricia Evens, Extension Equine Specialist, Equine Vision and Its Effect on Behavior, 2010, Utah State University
To be honest, I’ve always wondered “how my horse feels right now”. Well, it could be quite easy to recognize it by her emotions and moves, but you can’t be completely sure. Thank you for providing information, it was really interesting to know.
Thanks Horse Girl for you kind comment. When I’m wondering what is on my horse’s mind I always look at his eyes, ears, nostrils, and his muscle tension. Horses always think, “Because of X, I feel W.” Using that sentence as our guide, it is easy to look at where he is directing his attention and then, how he is feeling about it.