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Undoubtedly, horses are unique creatures and have been an essential part of our society for thousands of years. Whether horses are with humans or their own kind, they express fascinating characteristics and an intricate form of communication.
Since horses are social animals, they can easily bond with humans. Not only do they follow commands to complete tasks, but they also create a special bond with their owners that lasts a lifetime. Continue reading below to learn everything you need to know about the relationship between humans and horses.
When Did It All Begin?
Humans worldwide have domesticated horses. Some people even have a horse as their emotional support animal to help them cope with their mental health issues. However, when did this majestic relationship between people and horses begin?
There’s been quite a debate about when humans truly started domesticating horses. Some believe the first signs of domestication date back to around 2,500 BCE when Thracian nobility used steeds for chariots—and even transitioned with them to the ever-after in chariot burials. Others believe that people used horses back in Europe and Asia around 3,500 BCE.
Regardless, the bond between the two species has been running strong for at least the last 2,000-3,000 years. Horses started as working animals, helping humans transport supplies and other tools long distances. In recent centuries, the horse has had more significant roles in farming.
Horses Have Strong Emotional Awareness
Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of horses is that they can sense human emotions. Studies show that horses can view a person’s facial expressions and determine their mood with extreme accuracy.
This feature isn’t only prevalent in trained steeds but any horse accustomed to being around humans.
For example, a horse will typically react negatively if someone shows anger or sorrow. On the contrary, they may appear more positive if the people around them seem happy.
What’s more, steeds can remember a person’s mood and may react similarly the next time they’re around.
Steeds Also Showcase Emotions Among Each Other
Not only can steeds sense human emotions, but they can also read their own kind quite well. People are starting to understand that horses mostly communicate via sound. Furthermore, their communication is quite complex compared to other mammals.
If you’re ever around happy steeds, you may notice that they snort often. Frequent snorting is a sign that they are in a good mood or comfortable.
However, whinnies can be a far more complex sound. Steeds tend to showcase both positive and negative emotions through whinnies. The mood depends heavily on the frequency and intensity of the sound.
To better understand how your horse is feeling, you may need to check other factors like body temperature, movement, and breathing patterns.
Hierarchies Are Prevalent in Horse Society
Understanding a hierarchy is typically one of the defining characteristics of domesticated animals. Without it, they could never view humans as their owners and would ultimately rebel.
Steeds have complex social groups and governance among each other. As a result, they can work well with people as long as the environment is stable.
Horse and human culture are surprisingly similar. For example, male and female horses mate for life. A young horse will also be under the care of its parents until it reaches maturity.
Wrapping Up
Humans and horses have a fascinating relationship. These beautiful creatures allow us to develop vital skills like non-verbal communication, confidence, and trust. Once a human gets attached to their horse, it’s almost impossible to loosen that emotional bond.