Senses
We have identified the body language that horses use to communicate with each other, now we need to investigate how the horse receives its information.
Like other animals the horse uses the senses of sight, smell, sound, taste, touch.
For more information about the horse's senses go to the Resource Centre.
Then try the activities below.
Open Activity 1Senses
Open Activity 2 Making sense of senses
Did you know?
Horses can't see directly below their head which is why they sometimes stand on your toes.
Horses also can't see directly behind unless they turn their head.
Horses can sleep standing up and you may not know if they are asleep or resting. They may wake up with a fright and kick out if you suddenly put your hand on them when they did not know you were there.
Horses do however have a wider range of vision than humans so they can see anyone sneaking up on them, they sleep standing up so they can run away from danger more easily.
They use their senses as an early warning of danger.
This is why it is important to speak to a horse before you approach it especially if it has its tail towards you.
After you have finished the activities click NEXT to learn about social behaviour.
