Why, you ask? Because they jump? Have strong legs and big ears? Eat carrots?
Not exactly.
Horses are like rabbits because both are herbivores, and herbivores are prey animals. Like rabbits, guinea pigs, squirrels and deer, horses are wired for safety and survival. They have “side eyes,” powerful instincts, and a natural awareness of everything around them.
Exploring this predator-prey relationship is fundamental to everything we do at Horses4Heroes’ The Ranch Las Vegas.
Humans are omnivores, which makes us predators in the eyes of a horse. Yet many people feel more like prey than predator. Children may be nervous in new social settings. Women, especially those who have experienced trauma, may be wary of strangers. Veterans and First Responders have often been in situations where they must be alert, aware and ready to respond.
Horses understand that energy.
First impressions matter, especially to horses. How you approach and introduce yourself can determine whether a horse feels safe with you. A horse needs to see you, hear you and feel your calm presence before trust can begin.
So how do you make a good first impression on a horse?
Start by understanding how they see. Horses have peripheral vision and two blind spots: directly in front and directly behind. Walking straight up to a horse and sticking out your hand to “let him sniff you” is not the best introduction. Instead, approach within his line of sight, from his eye toward the base of his tail.
Next, speak up. Predators stalk silently. Your voice tells the horse where you are and helps him feel safe.
Finally, get close in a calm and confident way. Brush him. Stand beside him. Let him feel your presence.
See me. Hear me. Trust me.
These simple steps teach much more than horsemanship. They teach children, teens and adults how to make a good first impression on a teacher, a friend, a coach, a prospective employer or a new group of people. Make eye contact. Speak up. Be present.
At The Ranch Las Vegas, horses help humans build confidence, communication, accountability and trust. They teach us how to be calm, responsible and dependable.
Visit The Ranch Las Vegas in Northwest Las Vegas, meet our horses, and see for yourself how horses help humans learn powerful life and social skills.