How horses perceive their world—What can practitioners share with their clients to enhance safety and welfare?

This chapter explores equine sensory modalities, highlighting the distinct perceptual abilities of horses. As with humans, vision, hearing, olfaction, taste, and touch comprise the equine sensory apparatus and impact responses to the environment. However, differences in horse and human range and capacity necessitate an understanding of equine perception for positive horse-human interactions. Horses have a unique sensory landscape with panoramic visual abilities, superior aural capabilities, and a highly developed sense of smell. The importance of proper tactile stimulation, a communication channel used in daily interactions, is emphasized. The discussion extends to sensory enrichment techniques, proposing the use of odors, touch, and sound to enhance horse welfare. Factors like breed, individuality, age, and color further shape equine perception, stressing the need for tailored management strategies. As a crucial aspect of equitation science, understanding equine sensory abilities remains pivotal, urging continued scientific analysis for a holistic understanding of diverse equine needs.