What’s Your Horse Really Thinking When You Show Off?

 When you ask your horse to do something cool in front of people, do you ever wonder what’s going through their mind? Spoiler alert: it’s not always what you expect. Horses are incredibly perceptive animals, and their thoughts in these moments can range from hilarious to downright philosophical.

First, there’s the classic, “Why are you asking me to do this now?” Horses are creatures of routine, and sudden requests for tricks or fancy moves can leave them puzzled. They might be thinking, “We’ve never practiced this in front of an audience before. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

Then there’s the ego factor. Some horses absolutely love the spotlight and are thinking, “Finally, they’re paying attention to me! Watch this—I’m about to steal the show.” These are the horses who prance, toss their mane, and add a little extra flair to their moves, just to impress the crowd.

On the other hand, some horses might be thinking, “Do I have to? Can’t we just go back to grazing?” These are the more laid-back, no-nonsense types who aren’t easily swayed by human desires for entertainment. They might humor you with a half-hearted attempt, but their heart isn’t really in it.

And let’s not forget the overthinkers. These horses are analyzing the situation like, “If I do this move, will they expect it every time? What if I mess up? Will they still give me treats?” They’re the perfectionists of the equine world, always second-guessing themselves.

Ultimately, horses are individuals with their own personalities and quirks. When you ask them to perform, their thoughts are as varied as their reactions. So next time you’re showing off your horse’s skills, take a moment to appreciate the complex, funny, and sometimes sassy mind behind those big, beautiful eyes.