In the complex dance of human relationships, some individuals employ a unique litmus test for potential partners: the "dog test." This involves observing how their pet dog responds to a new acquaintance. A negative reaction might raise a red flag, while a positive one could be seen as a green light. While this might seem whimsical, there's a kernel of truth here that extends beyond canines to other animals, such as horses. These majestic creatures are not only sensitive to human emotions but can also serve as living lie detectors, gauging a person's emotional state and authenticity with remarkable accuracy.
Horses have long been recognized for their ability to perceive human emotions. A study published in the journal "Animal Cognition" found that horses could distinguish between angry and happy human facial expressions. When presented with photographs of angry faces, horses' heart rates increased, indicating stress. This suggests that horses are not only capable of reading human emotions but also respond to them physiologically.
When it comes to horses, their reactions to strangers can be telling. If a typically friendly horse displays an immediate aversion to someone, it's worth considering the horse's instinct. Horses don't harbor grudges without cause; their reactions are often based on genuine assessments of a person's demeanor. For instance, if a horse is wary of a visitor, it might be sensing something off-putting that a human might miss at first glance.
The bond between a horse and its handler is built on trust and mutual respect. A skilled horseman exudes calmness and confidence, which in turn fosters a positive environment for both training and general interaction. Horses look to their human leaders for cues, and if the handler is tense or agitated, the horse will sense that something is amiss. This can lead to a distracted and anxious horse, which is counterproductive to training and bonding.
Just as humans can be affected by the moods of those around them, horses too can pick up on their handlers' emotions. It's crucial for horse owners and trainers to approach their equine partners with a clear and positive mindset. Negative emotions can unsettle a horse, so taking time to decompress before engaging with your horse is beneficial for both parties.
Horses communicate their feelings clearly. When they enjoy someone's company or trust a person, they show it. Conversely, if they dislike someone, they do not hesitate to make it known. This level of honesty is something that many horse enthusiasts appreciate and often wish was more prevalent in human interactions.
Understanding and respecting the emotional intelligence of horses can lead to more harmonious and effective human-horse relationships. By acknowledging the subtle cues horses provide, we can gain insights into our own emotions and the vibes we emit, leading to personal growth and better communication with both animals and humans alike.
For those interested in the scientific underpinnings of equine emotional intelligence, the study "Horses can read human emotional cues" by Smith et al. (2016) in "Biology Letters" provides compelling evidence of this phenomenon. Additionally, the "Animal Cognition" journal offers a wealth of research on animal behavior and cognition, including equine studies.
In the realm of equine-assisted therapy, the ability of horses to mirror and respond to human emotions is a cornerstone of the practice, as highlighted by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). This therapeutic approach harnesses the natural sensitivity of horses to facilitate healing and emotional growth in humans.
Competition, Jealousy And Goals
Naturally some of us are more competitive than others, but the vast majority of us have a good degree of competition hardwired into us. If you think you are not competitive in the least, ask yourself: have you ever felt a twinge of desire, jealousy or envy when looking at another person's accomplishments or lifestyle? If you said yes, you are competitive – otherwise you wouldn't care what others have.
It's The Journey, Not The Destination
Don't you just hate clichés like the one illustrated in the headline of this article? I know I do. But love them or hate them, most of us must admit that such adages and clichés are often grounded in truth, and this one is no different.
Breaking Goals Down To The Basics
One of the primary reasons why people fail to execute their goals is they set forth unrealistic or overly complex goals. Most of us have the tendency to look at the finish line without paying much consideration to the distance between the end point and us. Here are a couple examples to illustrate this point:
