The way we think..

Where do our mental capabilities differ or mirror other animals in detail and complexity?

I try to keep an important perspective in mind during my ongoing learning about animals' mental abilities in order to better care for them..

Anything that has an effect on their survival is paramount in their thought process.

For example, we are in the throes of winter and it’s pretty frigid some days. I noticed that the birds waited until the temperature went up in the morning, to come to the feeders.

As obvious as it sounds, this evidence of temperature awareness speaks to the complexity of their mental dexterity and, perhaps, that it is far further reaching than we imagine. As the temperatures go below a certain point, the birds understand the danger to their survival without shelter, and at what point they are safe to carry on searching for food, etc..

When applied to horse care, individual horses often have blanketing preferences. Some are very expressive with their opinions. Some nip at us or the blanket as we put a blanket on, take it off, or attempt to adjust it, as examples. We do our best to judge temperature fluctuations, thickness of their natural coat, possible body clipping, shelter, age, length of time between blanket changes, among other factors. But, I asked myself if I really understood how they were feeling. What about humidity, sun verses shadow, wind, type of precipitation? Can I accurately comprehend all the variables for each individual horse? I found myself lacking in solid facts and running on general assumptions. Several years ago, I came across a study conducted in Norway that gave horses choice as to have a blanket put on, taken off, or no change to their current status. I was intrigued. (a)

I considered other studies on horses’ sophisticated social interactions and abilities to read our subtle body language and facial expressions. As I went about my daily horse care routines, I was reminded that they react in consistent ways to repetitive words and changes in tone. But, I didn’t know how to clarify an offer of choice and welcome feedback that was practical and in the moment. (f), (g), (h)

Dr. Jane Goodall’s depth of work, especially her support of the use of sign language with primates, shows us the possibilities. Sign language can be used as a simple and clarifying form of body language that both humans and horses can relate to with consistency. (b), (c), (d)

Combining that with the common tendencies of the horses in my care to target or reach out for my hands in greeting or looking for treats, I set about defining Yes/No ASL hand signs. I had to clarify to myself what I was and was not able to offer as choice. If I failed to honor their answer, they would quickly lose engagement. I was, then, able to present yes or no questions as I went through my daily routine, with fascinating results. Although horses cannot sign back to us because of their lack of hands, they can respond by targeting the appropriate hand I present within reach with the relevant sign. I also pay attention to their body language and facial expressions. Allowing space for horses to voice their perspective has lead to an increasing dialog which has heightened awareness and safety for each of us in many situations. (e), (f)

Experienced horsemen learn to read the complexities of horses’ body language for multiple reasons. Our safety and that of the horses is of utmost importance. Horses need a high level of environmental awareness to stay safe from predators. When we exhibit a more complex awareness of their concerns, they naturally feel safer. Giving horses agency and choice, when possible, builds the trust and partnerships that we strive for in the horse world.

It isn’t easy to think outside the box of our equestrian traditions passed down to us through the lens of outdated military necessity. It can make me feel untethered to question the hard-earned knowledge I’ve spent years accumulating. But, I know that at the heart of my passion for horses is the want.. the need to be in partnership WITH them. I have started on a journey where I am choosing to honor their voice where I can and trust their inherent intelligence. Horses have so much to teach us. And after all, as individual creatures, we all desire the knowledge of being seen for our own uniqueness. (i)

Researchers at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute published a study in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science:

(a) The Washington Post. These horses can tell you how they feel (about blankets), Health and Science, September 21, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/national/health-science/these-horses-can-tell-you-how-they-feel-about-blankets/2016/09/22/b3a9e6b4-8035-11e6-9578-558cc125c7ba_video.html.

Koko, the signing gorilla:

(b) Goodall, Jane. Good For All News, Dr. Goodall Remembers Koko the Gorilla, June 22, 2018, https://news.janegoodall.org/2018/06/22/dr-goodall-remembers-koko-the-gorilla/

(c) Kokoflix. Koko & the Gorilla Foundation, YouTube video, accessed January 15, 2025

(d) Patterson, Francine. In Search of Man: Experiments in Primate Communication, Michigan Quarterly Review, Winter 1980, pg 95-114, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/mqrarchive/act2080.0019.001/00000102.

I had the honor of meeting Alexandra Kurland and Panda, the guide pony, while I was an equine vet assistant:

(e) Kurland, Alexander. TheClickerCenter.com, accessed January 15, 2025, https://www.theclickercenter.com/.

Facial expression recognition in horses and humans:

(f) Britton, Brittany. Horses can make facial expressions just like humans, CNN article, June 26, 2018, https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/26/sport/horse-facial-expressions-spt/index.html.

(g) Proops, Leanne; Grounds, Kate; Vitoria Smith, Amy; McComb, Karen. "Animals Remember Previous Facial Expressions that Specific Humans Have Exhibited." National Library of Medicine. PMID 29706519, DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2018.03.035, Sussex, UK, Mammal Vocal Communication and Cognition Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, UK, Mammal Vocal Communication and Cognition Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, UK; Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK, May 7, 2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29706519/.

(h) Vitoria Smith, Amy; Proops, Leanne; Grounds, Kate; Wathan, and McComb, Karen. Functionally relevant responses to human facial expressions of emotion in the domestic horse (Equus caballus), Biology Letters, RSBL 2015.0907, DOI 10.1098, Royal Society Publishing, January 2, 2016, https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0907.

(i) Cameron, James. Avatar, released December 2009, YouTube video, accessed January 15, 2025.

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