Are we truly listening to our horses? Or are we, in our human shortsightedness, missing a goldmine of information right under our noses?
In an eye-opening episode of The Curious Equestrian Podcast, behavioral expert Dr Rachaël Draaisma shatters our preconceptions about horse communication and offers a masterclass in equine body language.
These could be your horse's sophisticated attempts to diffuse tension and maintain social harmony
The Subtle Symphony of Calming Signals
Toss out your old notions about horse behavior. Draaisma's pioneering research on calming signals - a concept borrowed from the canine world - is reshaping how we interpret equine body language.
Imagine this: your horse lowers its head, chews absent-mindedly, or looks away. Trivial gestures? Think again. These could be your horse's sophisticated attempts to diffuse tension and maintain social harmony. It's a language as nuanced as any human diplomat's, and we've been blind to it for far too long.
Key signals to watch for:
Chewing or tongue movements (Is your horse pondering more than just hay?)
Head lowering (An equine bow or a sign of unease?)
Looking away (Disinterest or a peace offering?)
Turning the head or neck (A snub or a calming gesture?)
The Comfort Zone Puzzle
"But my horse loves jumping!" you insist. Does he/she really, or have we conditioned our equine partners to tolerate our human whims? Draaisma challenges us to reassess what we think we know about our horses' preferences.
The truth hides in the details - a slight tension in the mouth, a hardness in the eye, a flare of the nostrils. These subtle cues speak volumes about your horse's comfort level. Are we brave enough to listen?
horses experience the world primarily through scent. We're missing out on an entire dimension of their experience.
From Body Language to Nose Work: A Natural Progression
While calming signals offer a window into our horses' emotional state, Draaisma argues we're still overlooking a crucial aspect of equine perception - their sense of smell. "Humans are visual creatures," she explains, "but horses experience the world primarily through scent. We're missing out on an entire dimension of their experience."
This realization led Draaisma to pioneer an unexpected field: equine scent work.
Scent Work: Unleashing Your Horse's Hidden Talents
If you thought scent work was just for dogs, brace yourself for a surprise. Draaisma introduces us to a world where horses can track scents, search for treats, and tackle complex olfactory puzzles. It's not just a game - it's a powerful tool for reducing stress and forging deeper bonds.
Picture your horse, nose to the ground, following a scent trail you've laid. This isn't just enrichment; it's empowerment. It's allowing our horses to use their natural abilities in ways we've previously ignored or suppressed.
The Science Behind the Sniffs
Hold onto your riding hats, because this is where it gets fascinating. Scent work doesn't just keep your horse occupied - it fundamentally alters their brain chemistry. We're talking increased dopamine, decreased cortisol, and a potential boost in oxytocin. In plain English? A happier, more relaxed horse that's more open to bonding.
A Call to Action
It's time to question our assumptions and truly listen to our equine partners. Are we courageous enough to let them take the lead sometimes? Can we learn to speak their language - both through body and scent - as fluently as they've learned to adapt to ours?
Exclusive Offer for Our Readers
Ready to explore this captivating world? Rachel Draaisma is launching an online Scent Work course on July 1st, featuring over 100 instructional video clips. Use the discount code "curious15" for a 15% discount on this course and her Calming Signals course at Calming Signals and Scentwork.
The question is, are you curious enough to venture into this new frontier of horse-human communication?
Stay inquisitive, and happy riding!
Cracking the Equine Code: A Journey into Horse Communication