Why Horses?
Horses are truly magnificent creatures with a range of amazing qualities. Recognising and acknowledging the characteristics that make horses truly unique is at the heart of the Geelong Equine Assisted Learning Program.
Physical Characteristics
Horses possess some truly remarkable sensory abilities that could be considered "superpowers" compared to humans enabling them to identify physiological changes in our clients in a truly unique way. Being able to identify these changes helps to support our clients through providing feedback in real time in a non judgemental and deeply compassionate way.
Super Hearing
Range: Horses have exceptional hearing, able to detect sounds much farther away and at lower frequencies than humans. Did you know? Horses are able to identify changes in a person's heart rate from 100 meters.
Directionality: They can pinpoint the source of sounds with incredible accuracy, a crucial survival skill in the wild.
Sensitivity:
They are highly sensitive to subtle changes in sound, which helps them detect potential threats (like predators) or even impending weather changes.
Super Smell (Acute Olfaction):
Their sense of smell is far superior to ours, allowing them to do the following;
- Identify other horses - They can recognize individuals by their unique scent.
- Detect predators - They can smell a predator long before we can see or hear it.
- Assess food quality - They can quickly determine if food is safe to eat.
- Sense emotions - They can even detect subtle changes in our emotional state through our scent.
Enhanced Vision
Panoramic View:
Their wide-angle vision provides a near 360-degree view of their surroundings, crucial for spotting danger.
Did you know? Horses are able to see behind them
Night Vision:
They have better night vision than humans, thanks to a reflective layer in their eyes.
Motion Detection:
They are highly sensitive to movement, which helps them quickly identify potential threats.
Sensitive Touch:
Their skin is incredibly sensitive, allowing them to feel the slightest touch or pressure. This sensitivity is vital for:
Balance and Coordination: They can finely adjust their balance and movements based on subtle shifts in pressure.
Social Interaction: They use touch extensively for communication and bonding with other horses.
Did you know?
Mutual grooming is a way that horses communicate and form social bonds within a herd.
These physiological features help horses navigate their environment, survive in the wild, and form strong bonds with their human companions.
Strength and Power:
Horses are incredibly strong and powerful animals. They can pull heavy loads, carry riders, and run at incredible speeds.
Grace and Agility:
Despite their size, horses are surprisingly graceful and agile. They can move with incredible fluidity and precision, whether they are galloping across a field or performing intricate dressage movements.
Intelligence and Sensitivity: Horses are highly intelligent and sensitive animals. They are able to learn quickly and form strong bonds with their human companions. They are also very perceptive to their surroundings and can sense changes in their environment.
Spirit and Resilience:
Horses possess a remarkable spirit and resilience. They can overcome challenges and obstacles, and continue to thrive even in difficult circumstances.
Beauty: Let's not forget their undeniable beauty! Horses are truly stunning animals, with their flowing manes and tails, powerful builds, and expressive eyes.
These are just a few of the many amazing qualities that make horses such special creatures.
Our herd and their profiles are listed below. They are all unique and charming in their own ways and we look forward to introducing you!
