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Interesting that the subject of snakes arose.
We have found, much to our surprise, that our horses appear to discern
between the poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.
We have some beneficial critters that get to the four and five foot size and
the horses ignore them. I have watched Mr. No Shoulders glide in front of
the horse and down under the shelter while the horse just watched. I have
also had a hard time getting the same horse past a pile of rocks where a
rattler was sunning. (We have mostly the Basin Rattler they seldom get
bigger than 2 feet) We have also passed a few on the trail and if there is
no noise the horse does not even notice them. I believe the vibration of the
horse hooves alerts the snakes to move out of the way.
If you want to play with the horse and snake you might need sound effects to
get a real response. Incidentally in this area there are people who
condition bird dogs to rattlers so they do not get bitten.
Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID
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