We love our horses. They bring us joy. They bring us grief. Horses can make us laugh, cry, and sometimes roll our eyes out of frustration, but we love them. Owning horses is a wonderful experience that can’t be described without being lived. And as horse owners, we know that when you walk into the barn with a bad attitude, a melancholy air, or the weight of the world on your shoulders, your horse can see right through you.
Research shows that your horse can distinguish your mood based on your facial expressions and body language. ccestep8/adobe.stock.com
Equine Intelligence
Horse lovers don’t need a study to tell us that horses are intelligent. We can see it in the eye of the animal, and the way that horses pick up on tasks, learn new things, and read our emotions. But, the science is there to back this up as well.
Studies on horse intelligence have shown that horses actively try to communicate with humans about their needs. For example, signaling to have a blanket removed when it’s too warm or demonstrating problem-solving skills through puzzles and tasks.
Read the Research: How Smart Are Horses?
But what about emotional intelligence? Have you ever felt that your horse can read your emotions as if they were written on your face? You’re not wrong.
Horses and Human Emotions
I can personally attest to the fact that my horses pick up on my mood even when I think I’m doing a good job putting on a brave face. Whether it’s quietly standing close to me, letting me wrap my arms around his neck when I just need to be comforted by horse smell, or gently nudging me with his nose to let me know I’m not alone, horses are perceptive. If you’ve ever noticed that your horse behaves differently when you’re in a good mood versus a sour one, the studies prove that you’re right.
A study was done at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, that included thirty-four Welsh mares. The horses were born at the center, and lived there for the entirety of their lives. The study consisted of showing the horses representations of people expressing joy, and anger. And the results concluded that the horses demonstrated favorable results both physiologically and behaviorally when exposed to expressions of joy versus anger.
What Does This Mean for the Horse-Human Connection?
If horses can pick up on our emotions, and react to positive versus negative emotions, then we need to carry this awareness to the barn. We’re not immune to bad days, (and neither are our horses), but being cognizant that our mood can impact our horse is something to keep in mind. If you find yourself walking into the barn in a bad mood, be aware that this can carryover to your training or riding session.
Although being around your horse can improve your mood, sometimes you’re just in a funk that you can’t shake. Give yourself grace and know that if you skip the training session today to just groom your horse, that’s not a failure. Taking the time to recognize your own emotions and how they may impact your interactions with your horse, even against your best efforts, is a gift to both of you.
If you think that your negative emotions might interfere with your training goals for the day, don’t be too proud to pivot and change your plans. Consider either a leisurely ride that will bring your blood pressure down, or just hanging out with your four-legged best friend.
There’s a reason horses are often used in therapy settings! Their calming nature, kind demeanor, and ability to connect with humans makes them the perfect assisted therapy partner. New Africa/adobe.stock.com
If you want to be at the barn but you’re not in the headspace to ride, check out this list of to-do’s to keep your hands and mind busy!
Barn Task To-Do List
Clean It Up – Tidy up your tack room, trailer, or barn. Sweep the aisle, clean stalls, and organize your tack while listening to music, an audiobook, or a podcast.
Shine It Up – Condition your tack, clean your saddle and bridle, and inspect for any weak spots. Don’t forget to clean your saddle pad!
Take Stock – Check your supplies and make a list of what you need, from fly spray to vet wrap. Also, take inventory of your hay and feed.
Rainy Spa Day – Spend quality time grooming your horse without the pressure of riding. Brush out his mane and tail, clean his legs, and enjoy bonding.
Watch and Learn – Use this time to watch training videos, read articles, or check out Horse&Rider OnDemand for valuable riding tips.
Read About It – Grab a book and enjoy some reading time in the barn, soaking in the sounds of horses and rain on the roof.
Indoor Groundwork – Work on basic groundwork exercises like picking up feet, backing, or moving away from pressure. If space allows, introduce obstacles like a tarp.
Get Organized – Update your horse’s health records, deworming schedule, and farrier appointments. Plan upcoming shows and events.
