Karina here- I’m hugely passionate about horses nervous systems and their instinctual physiology✨
A horse can look calm on the outside and still be carrying a nervous system that is stuck in a state of stress.
Horses are prey animals.
Their nervous system is constantly taking in information:movement, sound, pressure, pain, environment, people and other horses and deciding whether they are safe.
When a horse feels safe, their parasympathetic nervous system can become more active.
This is the part of the nervous system associated with rest, digestion, recovery and restoration.
You may notice: • Softer eyes and a relaxed expression • Lowered head and neck • Deeper, slower breathing • Softening through the body • Chewing, licking or sighing • Improved digestion • Greater ability to learn and process information • More curiosity and connection
But when a horse is continually exposed to stress, discomfort, fear or overwhelm, their nervous system can remain in a heightened state or, in some cases, move into a shutdown response.
And this is where behaviour can be misunderstood.
A horse that stands quietly, doesn’t react or appears to “put up with” something isn’t necessarily relaxed.
Stillness does not always equal relaxation.
True regulation is about giving the horse enough safety, choice, appropriate movement, social connection and time for their nervous system to come back towards balance.
Consider the whole horse: body, mind, environment, movement, social needs and physical comfort.
Because a regulated horse isn’t simply a horse that behaves.
It’s a horse that feels safe enough to be present.
