This is a sensitivity test. It finds out whether your horse can distinguish between very small changes in your gaze. When does it get the feeling that you're looking at it?
What do I need?
An open space where your horse can graze
Step 1: While your horse is grazing, approach it from the side, looking directly at its ears or head.
Step 2: When it responds by raising its head and looking at you, stand still.
Step 3: Estimate how far you are from your horse by walking towards it and counting your paces.
Step 4: Some time later, when your horse has returned to grazing, approach it from the side a second time. This time, look directly at its rear hooves.
Step 5 When your horse reacts, estimate how far you are from it again. What did you find out?
Results:
A - You got closer to the horse on the first attempt
B - You got closer to the horse on the second attempt
C - Both attempts were the same
If option A - Your horse hasn't behaved as we expected. Horses have extremely sensitive peripheral vision - they can spot slight changes in your gaze, and most horses respond more quickly if you look towards their heads - they sense that you are seeking their attention.
If option B - Your horse behaved as we expected. Horses have extremely sensitive peripheral vision - they can spot slight changes in your gaze, and most horses respond more quickly if you look towards their heads. They sense that you are seeking their attention.
If option C - Your horse hasn't behaved as we expected. Horses have extremely sensitive peripheral vision - they can spot slight changes in your gaze, and most horses respond more quickly if you look towards their heads. They sense that you are seeking their attention.
