I've observed that some horses are
much smarter than others, and I've known only three really smart ones in all my
life. Two of those had gotten themselves into very difficult situations
and calmly waited until someone got them out of the problem. The current
one is smart in the way he learns. He'll look at something the first time,
be wary, then give it a try. The second time on the same obstacle, he'll
be less wary and more willing. The third time his attitude is: " I
can do THAT!" I admire his attitude. Various other horses I've
ridden: Some were hyper and slightly hysterical, one never seemed to learn
from his experiences....he was doomed to repeat the same mistakes, over and
over.
Over the few years I've had horses, I have come across some folks that
think horses aren't smart. I don't accept this.
Was wondering how you folks feel?
I think they are, maybe some more than others and I'm convinced we can
teach them to think vs. react too! But in observing them I think they
can have common sense too!
I noticed something that made me chuckle yesterday while riding my horse
but also was smart of her, I felt. It was an almost human
reaction.
We were out just taking a nice walk. I was on the road and then
turned off on one of our trails. The trails were wet and full of grass
which I knew eating some of this lusious stuff was definatelly on her
mind. But she was obiedent and polite about it. Anyway, I stopped her
and let her take a bit or two and one of her feet sunk a bit. She
quitely moved to a better spot without assistance from me, and I though good
girl.
Anyway, as we were walking off towards home we walked about maybe 100
yards or so and she stopped for a moment, took her left hoof and tapped the
ground a time or two checking to see if it was solid and then proceeded
on. I chuckled but she apparently kept in mind that some spots were
solid while others weren't.
It wasn't pawing it was tapping. I knew without a doubt she was
checking for safety. I thought this was quite smart and endearing!
I gave her a big pat and hug for that one!
I couldn't help but smile and chuckle! And I swear I saw a "I know
I'm good" smirk on her face too!
