Should anyone enjoy the company of horses, they will certainly be aware of the ’empathy’ and close communication afforded by these wonderful animals with each other and also humans.
When entering stables where there are a number of horses, there is a visible ‘conversation’ exchanged about the visitor, gently nodding to each other.
Horses are incredibly switched on to human feelings, attitudes, postures, fear, love, and excitement. A horse will recognize a person who is either apprehensive or frightened. Such feelings can be visibly noticed by a horse, but more intense via their intuition ‘sixth sense’. They really do absorb and react to human emotions, be they neutral, friendly, or apprehensive.
Horses have a free spirit, especially when joined by others in a field. They ‘talk’ to each other. Horses have friends as humans have friends, greeting each other warmly. Most animals including dogs and cats have instinctive ways of ‘communicating’. With horses, it is more intense. Voices, scents, and posture all play a part.
When ‘greeting’ a horse for the first time initial stages of ’empathy’ have been exchanged, including stroking and patting, moving your head to a horse’s nose, and gently, very gently blowing into a nostril to confirm the relationship. Both you and the horse have created a feeling of calm and trust. Hugs and talking to a horse. Also special. I must admit, I kissed the nose of my daughter’s horse!
I have galloped, and trotted, some dressage, including walking sideways. And thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Galloping, high off a saddle was the most exciting. Flying down a narrow tree-lined pathway like a wingless Pegasus, and looking down at the ground, hooves thundering away was quite an experience!
Never forgotten.
