The relationship between a horse and a human is both similar to and different from that of a dog or a cat.

One notable distinction lies in the level of willingness exhibited by the animal. Horses are large creatures, and a misstep or sudden movement can cause injury or even be fatal. I have witnessed instances where people were knocked unconscious because a horse moved its head at the wrong time, with the horse being completely unaware of the accident. Surprisingly, these same horses often try to assist the person they unintentionally harmed, displaying their concern and recognition of the situation. Thus, the active participation and cooperation of the horse are crucial in this relationship. Unlike cats, which may simply avoid someone they dislike, a horse has the potential to cause serious harm without much effort.

Moreover, horses communicate in a completely different language compared to dogs and cats. While some horses may enjoy having their bellies rubbed or being scratched between the eyes, their ways of showing affection and respect differ significantly.

Douglas Adams once said, “It is difficult to be sat on all day, every day, by some other creature, without forming an opinion on them. On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever.”

Horses are intelligent beings (although some may be less so), and they possess a deep understanding of humans that often surpasses our understanding of them. They can discern our moods, personalities, and behaviors. They perceive these cues through body language, pheromones, and the tone of our voice. Whether we like it or not, horses recognize us as predators and are adept at interpreting our predatory nature.

Horses appreciate individuals who comprehend their body language and respond appropriately, while they dislike those who disregard their attempts at communication. Their communication is often quite apparent even from a considerable distance. Their stance, posture, ears, eyes, nose, tail, vocalizations, and stomping are all clear indicators of their mood and willingness to interact. By paying attention, as we should whenever we engage with a thousand-pound animal, it becomes relatively easy to understand them. If we respond to them in the same language, using our stance, posture, approach, movement, and vocalizations, they will respond just like a dog does when we say “good boy!”

When you truly know a horse, it becomes evident that they care about their caretakers. Their happiness, anger, sadness, pain, and playfulness are all apparent. Even if they don’t want to do something, they make it clear, regardless of whether it’s for their own benefit. It is apparent whether they will allow you to persuade them to do it anyway. They exhibit traits like fighting, playing, jealousy, greed, bravery, and fear, just like any other animal. They crave attention and approval, akin to dogs. Despite knowing that we are not horses, they consider us part of their family.

A solid relationship with a horse is built on trust, primarily grounded in consistency and dependability. They must believe that we will protect them, and in turn, they will protect us, sometimes even at the risk of their own lives. I have witnessed very large horses seek shelter behind their caretakers when scared, and I have seen them stand between their caretakers and aggressive animals such as coyotes or even a bull. In a strong bond with a horse, one could sleep in the middle of the pasture where they graze, and the horse would protect them from any harm, including other horses. They know that we will shield them from danger and not lead them into harm’s way. With a solid relationship, one could sleep in the saddle, and the horse would be careful not to let them fall off or wander into trouble, although sometimes they may simply return home if left without direction. They sometimes trust us enough to follow us off cliffs or into deep water, even if it means risking their own lives.

Horses are proud, graceful, loyal, and magnificent creatures. We don’t own a horse; we care for one. They are not mere pets; they are family members. Similar to children, they require significant financial investment, time commitment, and long-term dedication.