Professional paper
SENSORY PERCEPTION IN HORSE
Marija Tomić
; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jelena Ramljak
; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ante Ivanković
; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Sensory perception in horses is very complex due to expression of stimuli and reactions. Sharpening of the senses is an evolutionary adaptation which provided for the ancestors of horses quickness of reactions necessary for their survival. Understanding sensory perception of the horse is essential for synchronised work of human and horse. Working with horse it is necessary to respect a notable width of vision and specificity of depth and acuity perception. Horse hearing is adapted to detect a wide frequency range of sound and horses are capable rotated both ears independently almost at 180°. The sense of smell plays an important role in detection of predators, sexual behavior, and it is essential for social contact between human and the animal. Tactile perception, except in maintaining social contact with other horses, has the main role in interaction between the horse and the rider. For successful training is necessary to achieve a certain desensibility of horse sensory perception. With different types of training, horses are exposed to expected situations which mitigate their instinctive reaction and strengthen their confidence in rider.
Keywords
horse; sensory perception; human; interaction
Hrčak ID:
97644
URI
Publication date:
4.2.2013.
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