For a horse-human relationship based on reciprocal expression

The inner world of the horse includes all the mental dimension, as opposed to a reductionist idea of this animal, as well as others species.

The horse has always been considered a simple organism that responds to linear dynamics, such as stimulus-response or input (stimulation)-output (behaviour).  For example, in all phases of traditional but also “natural” training, the approach has a deterministic, mechanistic, linear, anthropocentric conception.

The cognitive approach does not give space to a reductionist image of the horse, but rather puts him on a level of complexity. These animals with a sophisticated system of mental processing, have the ability to create their own input, their own intention, based on experience that they live. In fact, when talking about cognitive training of the horse, we do not talk about a mere stimulation, but focus on building experiences together.

If we look at the process of horse training, even the most gentle, positive or “natural”, we can immediately understand how the trainer is used to work in a linear and one-way process of stimulation, with no or very few elements of dialogism and cognitive process. In this case the horse is the object of a series of stimuli, in order to obtain a desired behaviour which is often expressed in more or less invasive pressure. In this way the animal is not given the opportunity to significantly creates his personal input and to elaborate his surroundings creating his own perception. This way he does not create its mental/cognitive map, based on own experience, its own species and individual characteristics.

The cognitive-relationship co-training of the horse and also of the trainer, is based on non-linear, non-schematic and not predetermined processes.

In this kind of training, there is no focus on a particular behaviour or result, but on the way the horse elaborates the experience. In fact main characteristic of cognitive learning is the presence of a latency time. You cannot always see what the horse is learning.

Learning means to give new fields of expression of subjectivity, both as experiential capacity, both as interpretative ability, both as operational capability, both as self-perception.

The balanced and sound self-expression of the horse can only be developed in training and interactions where we favour an open and non-linear enviroment, in which the horse builds experience through free exploration both with other horses as with human.

Only this way we can ensure growth and alignment of the inner world of a horse, developing welfare, wellness and a profound relationship between man and horse.

The greatest form of respect towards the horses is to highlight their natural cognitive skills.

Text: Francesco De Giorgio | Photo: José Maria Schoorl


Comments on: "The inner emotional/cognitive world of the horse" (4)

  1. Sue Pighini said:

    As I play and work with my horses, I am at a loss of what kind of games to offer them in order to bring out their curiosity vs. just using rote exercises. Can you point me in a direction of learning?

    • Where you live Sue? Could you send to some pictures or video about that you write, about moment with your horses? So we can give you some tailored advice?
      Kindest regards,
      Francesco and Jose
      Learning Horse

      • Sue Pighini said:

        Francesco and Jose, I live in Virginia, United States. I have four horses and I would love to know more about their cognitive behavior. I want them to explore freely and I love to do any at liberty work with them because they seem very inquisitive about doing things off a lead line.
        I am using my horses to interact with humans who have health issues. They simply are there for the human. No pushing the interaction.
        I am not sure how to send you photos or a video in this format.

        Thank you.


      • Hi Sue, this is José writing, I’ll send you an email from our “” address to “” so we can have better email contact. That way I can give you some examples of the cognitive and exploring part, also when working with other persons.
        We apprecciate your interest and I look forward to further exchange!
        Kind regards,

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