Do horses recognize people?

 Most people who interact with horses won’t argue with the fact that a horse can tell people apart. That’s about whether she loves someone, there may be disputes. Athletes often adhere to James Phyllis’s point of view that “the horse does not feel attachment, it is only habit.” Those for whom a horse is not just a sports equipment can argue with this statement. However, attachment is a separate issue. But does a horse really recognize specific people? For a horse, habitual elements are very important. She is able to recognize other horses from afar, and she also recognizes people by their appearance. And already approaching, she understands by smell whether she was mistaken. And try to release one of them into the herd of horses that are familiar with each other, putting on a blanket for the first time. And you will see that, probably, other horses will shy away at first, will carefully peer into the “miracle Yudo”, and only then, approaching, will they recognize an old acquaintance. The same is true for the perception of people by a horse. Somehow I appeared in front of my horse not in trousers, as usual, but in a dress (it was necessary for a photo shoot). And at first he was very surprised: he arched his neck and began to sniff. But he recognized the usual jacket from afar: he whinnied, ran to the exit from the levada and waited for me to come for him. So if you put on an unfamiliar horse clothes, and he reacted “weirdly” (flashed or shied to the side), do not be offended. She just didn’t recognize you! Approach the maned friend gradually and let yourself be sniffed – so the horse will make sure that a stranger has not taken your place, and will begin to communicate again as before. The horse is wary of everything new, and it is useful to remember this feature. Otherwise, your performance at competitions or shows may be “spoiled” by white breeches or a stage costume.