Trivia Challenge: Do Horses Know What to do During an Emergency?
Answer the questions, then check at bottom for the key. For more great information about horses, read H&R’s ‘The Ride’ newsletter. (Not getting it? Sign up below—it’s free!)

Illustration by Navah Rae Adams

1. True or false: Horses have a fight-or-flight instinct. 

T/F 

2. During a big storm or hurricane, what will horses do to protect themselves? 

A) Lay down until the storm is over. 

B) Turn their butts into the wind and huddle with other horses. 

C) Run until they escape the storm. 

3. True or False: Horses will often try to run back into the barn during a fire.

HOW’D YOU DO? (Answers below.)

1. T is correct. The fight-or-flight response involves nervous impulses which result in hormone secretions into the bloodstream. When a horse reacts to a threat, it may initially “freeze” in preparation to take flight. The fight-or-flight reaction begins in the amygdala, which triggers a neural response in the hypothalamus.

2. B is correct. The “butts to the wind” huddle works to stabilize the horses against the powerful storm gusts. As soon as horses begin to sense a change in air pressure with the approaching storm, they begin grouping together.

3. T is correct. Horses tend to run back into burning barns out of fear and confusion. Many horses will be confused by the “blindfold” of smoke so they will try to go back to a place they know as safe. 

Don’t miss out! If you’re not already receiving H&R’s fun and informative newsletter, sign up right now for The Ride. It’s *free*!

CATEGORIES
TAGS
Related Articles
Bay mare horse on Texas ranch during summer
Don't Bug My Horse!
What Every Horse Owner Should Know About Insect-Borne Disease
image
Scratch That
Beat Scratches with Silver Honey
horse nose snout nostril detail close animal equine pont
Recognize and Treat This Chronic Condition
Understanding and Treating Horse Heaves
Close Up of Horse Eye Disturbed by Flies on Blurred Background
Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me!
Take Our Poll: What’s the Hardest Part of Fly Control During Riding Season?
Newsletter
Receive news and promotions for Horse & Rider and other Equine Network offers.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Horse and Rider
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.