Prodney’s Blog: We know what you’re thinking

How do you humans manage with just five senses?

Actually, I know the answer to that one. It’s a long time since you humans had to worry about being eaten by predators. Take it from me, when that survival instinct is hard-wired into your brain, you tune in to every sense you have, all the time. OK, the downside is that we can find innocent things like a stray paper bag terrifying. But that’s a small inconvenience compared to being a predator’s dinner.

When you meet a horse, do you realise that he or she can read your mind?

Non-riders can think that riding a horse is ‘just sitting there’, and new riders sometimes do precisely that. It’s not much fun for us, to be honest, if a rider doesn’t try to get to know us. Luckily most of the riders I’ve taken for a spin aren’t ‘passengers’. They understand that we’re sharing the experience, and take the time to communicate and try to understand our needs and feelings.

But even if you don’t try, we still know what you’re thinking. If you’ve had a bad day, we know it. Nervous? We know that too. Stressed? Well, don’t be surprised if we spook at that paper bag.

Watch a close horse and rider partnership together and the communication will be almost invisible – but it is there because the two are attuned to each other. We get to understand what you want from the slightest touch or cue. Clever, huh?

Natalie tells me that one of the most upsetting parts of Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral was the sight of Emma the fell pony watching the procession go by. The Queen and Emma still went for rides together until very recently, because they were easy, calm and happy in each other’s company. Some media reports said that Emma showed signs of distress at the sight of the hearse. Personally I’m sceptical as all those crowds, other horses, sights and sounds would have been very alarming. The Queen’s headscarf laid across the saddle will have been reassuring though.

I never met the Queen, but Natalie’s shown me photographs of Elizabeth with horses and I recognise the expression of calm and connection that I’ve seen in the best of horsepeople over the years.

RIP your Majesty. I hope you and Emma stay in touch.

Prodney is Chief Equine Officer (CEO) at Park Lane Stables, and achieved celebrity status following the TV coverage in 2021.

Park Lane Stables is committed to taking care of all its horses for life. Herd life is the most natural way to live, supplemented by whatever extra care they need as they get older. Just as with humans, that includes increased medical costs and special diets, as well as the usual foot and dental care.

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