The vision of our equine friends differs in many ways from our own. Having to survive in the wild and avoid their many predators for so long definitely has its perks. Although these majestic beings have adapted some pretty unique features that can help them survive, they also lack some qualities that would help them perform even better. But that’s where you come in. When humans and horses work together, they make the ultimate team. Here are some facts you should know about a horse’s vision.
1. Their Peripherals Are On Point
This is one area where your horse is not lacking. Horses have better peripheral vision than humans, and for good reason! Growing up with life-threatening creatures daily gave these guys a leg up on predators. Their peripheral vision allows them to spot even the slightest of movement to avoid danger. You’ll never have to tell your horse to look out, chances are he’s already one step ahead of you.
2. Their Vision Peaks At 7 Years
A horse’s visual acuity is not fully developed until they reach age 7. This is when their vision begins to take a turn. Just like humans, a horse’s vision begins deteriorating with age. This could have a number of affects on your horse’s performance, but it varies by the horse. Your horse’s diet and habits could also play a role in conserving his eye sight.
3. They Can See Well At Night
Since survival depends on it, horses have more rods to expand their vision beyond what we’re capable of, while also restricting it. They can see clearer on a cloudy day than a sunny one from this quality. They also have superior night vision to capture any threat who might make a move in the dark. Horses also have trouble adjusting their eyesight with changing light conditions, like moving from the pasture on a sunny day to a dark barn.
4. Fine Details Are Their Enemy
Horses have a typical acuity of 20/30. That means a horse can see details of an object in the center of their visual field from only 20 feet away, while we can see those same details from 30 feet away. A horse needs to be 50% closer to view an object the same way we do. So, use your visual advantage as a way to keep your horse safe when riding or performing. Remember there are things you can see that your horse may not have seen yet. Even under bright light, horses have trouble seeing a jump, clump of weeds, or a barrel, so adjust accordingly!
5. They Can’t See What They’re Eating
Horses have two blind spots. One is directly in the back of their head and the other is directly in front of their face. This means they are actually unable to see the grass they graze, the bit they accept, or the hands stroking their nose. Their whiskers allow for them to sense the objects they’re unable to see, which is why you should think twice about shaving or trimming them!
It’s valuable to know your horse well enough to make a difference in his performance. When you can pinpoint these optical strengths and weaknesses, you can start to understand where you can fill in the gaps. Throw in a whole lot of time and patience and eventually you’ll become an unstoppable team no one wants to mess with!