Your Horse’s Point of View: How They See the World
Ever wondered what the world looks like from the back of a horse? Spoiler: it’s not the same way you see it! Understanding how horses perceive their surroundings can make you a more thoughtful, confident, and connected rider.
Whether you’re riding here in Petaluma’s rolling hills or enjoying the quiet trails near Santa Rosa/Fulton, knowing your horse’s point of view helps you build trust and ride more smoothly.
How Horses See
A horse’s eyes are among the largest of any land mammal — and for good reason.
They’re positioned on the sides of their head, giving them almost 350 degrees of vision. This means they can see almost all the way around without moving their heads… except for two small blind spots:
Directly in front of their nose
Directly behind their tail
What this means for you as a rider:
Always approach a horse from the side, not directly from the front or back.
Give a little “hello” with your voice before touching them if you’re in their blind spot.
Did you know?
Horses can’t see something directly under their nose until they lower their head — that’s why they sometimes “spook” when stepping over puddles or poles.
Colors Through a Horse’s Eyes
Contrary to the myth, horses aren’t completely colorblind. They see in dichromatic vision, meaning they can detect blues and yellows well, but reds and greens appear as muted shades of brown or gray.
Why this matters when riding:
That bright red jacket you’re wearing? To your horse, it’s just another dull shade — so your clothing color won’t startle them.
A blue mounting block or pole might stand out more to them than a red one.
Did you know?
Your horse’s night vision is better than yours, but their eyes take longer to adjust between light and dark — which is why walking from a sunny arena into a dark barn can make them pause.
Hearing Like a Horse
Those rotating ears aren’t just cute — they’re like satellite dishes. A horse can move each ear independently to pick up sounds from different directions.
As a beginner rider:
Pay attention to where your horse’s ears are pointing — it’s a clue to what they’re focused on.
If their ears swivel toward you while you’re talking, they’re tuned in to you.
Ears locked forward? They’re alert to something ahead — sometimes good curiosity, sometimes “Uh-oh, what’s that?”
Did you know?
Horses can hear higher frequencies than humans, which is why they sometimes react to something you can’t hear — like a dog barking in the distance.
Sensing with More Than Eyes & Ears
Horses are prey animals, which means they’ve evolved to notice even the slightest change in their environment. Their skin is sensitive enough to feel a fly land — so imagine how easily they can feel your seat and leg movements in the saddle.
For you as a rider:
Every shift in your posture communicates something to your horse — even the ones you don’t realize you’re making.
Staying relaxed and balanced helps your horse feel calm and steady.
Did you know?
A horse’s whiskers are sensory tools, helping them explore objects up close — kind of like a cat’s whiskers!
Why This Knowledge Makes You a Better Rider
When you understand your horse’s perspective, you can:
Anticipate and avoid situations that might startle them.
Give clearer cues by working with their senses, not against them.
Build a deeper bond — because you’re seeing the world more like they do.
Imagine you’re riding in one of Petaluma’s open arenas and your horse suddenly sidesteps. Knowing they may have spotted movement in their wide peripheral vision helps you stay calm and reassure them — instead of thinking they’re “just being spooky.”
Takeaway for First-Time Riders
Your horse isn’t trying to be difficult — they’re simply responding to the world as they perceive it. By learning their sensory strengths and limitations, you become the kind of rider they can trust.
And trust? That’s the foundation of every great ride.
Ready to see the world through a horse’s eyes?
Join us at Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma or Santa Rosa and experience riding with confidence, trust, and connection. Whether you’re brand new or returning to the saddle, our beginner-friendly lessons will help you build skills while understanding your horse’s perspective.