Research: Horses recognise their owners voices and create a mental image of their "people". Cool!

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Research: Horses recognise their owners voices and create a mental image of their "people". Cool!

MagsNMe · Advanced

My kids definitely recognize me. Actually, they recognize the sound of my vehicles too.

Little Havoc starts coming towards the gate when he sees/hears the car/truck, because he knows his Mom is there. He also knows his name, and will come running if he's in the back of the field where he can't see me, if I call for him.

Maggie generally vocalizes when I arrive, in case I didn't see her there! Her version of telling me to hurry up with her cookies is banging on the front of her stall. She's moving to a new place on Friday, and I know that she'll be okay, because Mom will be there. It doesn't take much for her.

They really do consider us part of their herd, which is amazing and humbling. I was telling a non-horsey person today that my horses make me feel like a better person after I've been with them.

When a horse is having trouble recognizing a person as a person (they have a backpack on, or are sitting in the bleachers at the end of the arena), getting that person to say something always seems to have the immediate effect of "oh, it's a PEOPLE, it's okay" on them, which is also interesting.

Nina A · Yearling

Oh they know. It's just a matter of them being stubborn and not wanting to come in and how much they really want their grain.
I can call JD and he'll look up at me, but when my mom does it he doesn't always look up. Same with her horse.

Marlene · Advanced

Sharif usually says hi when I go out to his pen. He also calls out if I arrive back in the car (which he can't see from his pen), but he must recognize the engine or door slam. It took quite a while after I got him for him to show signs of greetings or approaching me when I arrive. He didn't seem to trust me or seek out attention, or even enjoy touches and rubs, but he's changed quite a bit and lets me do almost anything, usually without a halter. He didn't used to remain laying down if I approached during a nap, but he will now. Some horses are just slower to warm up. Sometimes now I dress up differently to see his reaction, if he recognizes me. so I wear a cowboy hat instead of my helmet, or a totally different jacket.

Daniela · Yearling

Oh yes, horses recognize their owners, and their vehicles! I remember well when my horse had hurt himself and stayed in the roundpen all summer (driest place outside to keep his wound dry and clean). He would watch my car drive towards the farm, watch me drive in, and the moment I opened the door, he would nicker at me. I never said a word to him. I would go into the stable, grab his halter and lead rope, and he would be at the gate waiting for me the moment I got out the door. Horses are a lot more observant of us than people think they are!

Sidney · Well Schooled

I used to have an electric bike, that over the years developed a squeak. I'd always ride it to the barn, and Tango would hear me coming before I even got into the parking lot. I'd hear her whinny....and we would start our "connection" of being together before I even got there.

Ranna · Well Schooled

My horses not only recognise me but also my car.
My god, they are so much cleverer than getting credit for.

Same goes for cats (ans onther animals) by the way :D