Horse handedness: Equines prefer either the left or right side, just like humans. Here's how you can tell which side your horse prefers.Horse handedness: When training or riding, you may have noticed that our equine partners have “stiff” side and a “hollow” side. It’s hard to get them to bend on the stiff side (usually the right). What many don’t know is that equines also have right- or left-”hand” preferences, just like humans. What could this possibly mean for a horse? It means they prefer either the right or left lead when performing a variety of activities, such as cantering, stepping up, or jumping. In a recent study in Ireland, 43% were found to prefer the right lead, 47% preferred the left, and the remaining 10% were ambidextrous (balanced). They also found differences between males and female. Males tended to prefer the left, while females tended to prefer the right. The reason for the sex difference is unknown. Even stranger, the researchers discovered that they could predict these preferences by examining facial whorl patterns: Those with a right-preference had significantly more clockwise whorls, while those with left-lead preferences had whorls that flowed in a counter-clockwise direction. As strange as this all sounds, the researchers point out that this information could prove handy to trainers. For example, left-preferences thoroughbreds probably have an advantage on the race track, since the tracks always run to the left. It is also important to horse riding training and horse handling. Why? Because if you introduce new skills to your horse on the left, you will find you have much less resistance. Think of it this way: If someone were trying to teach you how to perform a new exercise, would it be easier for you if tried it first using your right hand/leg or your left? Most of us learn things faster when we practice it first with our preferred side. The same is true for horses. So this is a valuable horse training tip for saving yourself some time and your horse some frustration! (The study was published in the journal Behavioral Processes in 2008.)
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