One Picture Explains Why Horses Spook
Horse and human brains see the world very differently
This illustration, taken from the excellent book, Human Brain, Horse Brain by neuroscientist and equestrian Janet Jones, shows exactly why horses are more likely than humans to spook at something they see.
Look at the illustration of the horse brain. Notice that the equine eye sends signals to the back of the equine brain. Then the signal loops back around toward the front of the brain, raight to the equine motor cortex--the part of the brain that controls the muscles of the body. And the horse’s body reacts!
Now look at the illustration of the human brain.
When you look at something, your eyes send signals to your brain. Just like in the horse brain, these signals travel to the back of the brain, then loop forward to an area in the front of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is the brain’s executive decision-maker. Once the executive has made a decision about what the thing is and what to do about it, it sends a signal to the motor cortex, and your body reacts—move, duck, walk toward, and so on.
In other words, horse brains are wired in a way that doesn't allow them to think much about what they see. Instead, they react to what they see.
And given that they’re prey animals, their primary reaction is to flee. Much better to run away first and think later.
And that is why horses tend to be prone to spooking at “imaginary” scary things.
You can read more fascinating facts about the equine brain and how it impacts behavior and training in Dr. Jones’ book, Horse Brain, Human Brain.
.
Now look at the illustration of the human brain.
When you look at something, your eyes send signals to your brain. Just like in the horse brain, these signals travel to the back of the brain, then loop forward to an area in the front of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is the brain’s executive decision-maker. Once the executive has made a decision about what the thing is and what to do about it, it sends a signal to the motor cortex, and your body reacts—move, duck, walk toward, and so on.
In other words, horse brains are wired in a way that doesn't allow them to think much about what they see. Instead, they react to what they see.
And given that they’re prey animals, their primary reaction is to flee. Much better to run away first and think later.
And that is why horses tend to be prone to spooking at “imaginary” scary things.
You can read more fascinating facts about the equine brain and how it impacts behavior and training in Dr. Jones’ book, Horse Brain, Human Brain.
.
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Happy riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins August 12, 2020; updated June 27, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
Copyright Denise Cummins August 12, 2020; updated June 27, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
