20/06/2025
The Nervous System: Bridging Understanding Between Horses and Humans
Unlocking Connection Through Science, Empathy, and Practical Experience
Introduction
The world of horses and humans is built on connection—on the subtle language we share across species. Central to this understanding is the nervous system, a complex web of communication that governs reactions, emotions, and the very way our bodies respond to the world. By delving into the science of the nervous system and examining the physiological similarities and differences between horses and humans, we unlock new ways to understand each other. Nowhere is this more apparent than when a horse “rushes” under saddle—a visible sign of stress or tension that echoes, in its own way, the reactions we see in ourselves.
Similarities and Differences: Nervous System Physiology in Horses and Humans
At first glance, horses and humans appear worlds apart, but peel back the layers of muscle and bone, and our nervous systems tell a different story. Both species rely on the central and peripheral nervous systems to interpret stimuli, coordinate movement, and regulate emotions. The autonomic nervous system, which divides into the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches, is especially important. When either a horse or a human perceives a threat—real or imagined—adrenaline floods the body, heart rate quickens, and muscles prepare for action.
Despite these similarities, key differences exist. Horses, as prey animals, have evolved to be much more sensitive to environmental cues. Their nervous systems are primed for rapid response: a rustle in the bushes triggers instant readiness to flee. Humans, on the other hand, are both predator and prey; our responses are complex, shaped by logic and emotional memory as well as instinct. This doesn’t mean humans don’t startle or react impulsively—just that our reactions are often filtered through layers of reasoning, sometimes to our detriment.
Anecdote: The Rushing Horse
Imagine this: You’re riding your horse on a windy afternoon. Suddenly, their pace quickens, strides lengthen, and you feel as if you’re being swept along on a current you can barely control. The horse is “rushing”—a classic sign that their nervous system has shifted into high alert. As a rider, you may feel your own tension rising. Your hands tighten, your breath shortens. In that moment, both horse and human are caught in a physiological dance of stress and reaction.
Why Horses Rush: The Nervous System’s Role
When a horse rushes, it’s easy to label them as difficult, spooky, or even dangerous. But if we look through the lens of neuroscience, we see something different: a being whose nervous system is doing exactly what evolution intended. The horse’s sympathetic nervous system takes charge, flooding their body with stress hormones and preparing them to escape perceived danger. This same system governs the human stress response—think of how you might react if startled by a sudden noise or pressured in a high-stakes situation. Your heart pounds, your focus narrows, and you may “rush” through your tasks, hoping to regain a sense of safety.
Scientific Insight: Stress and Behavioral Responses
Studies of both horses and humans show that chronic stress can lead to heightened reactivity, anxiety, and difficulty learning new skills. In horses, this manifests as rushing, spooking, or resistance to aids. In humans, chronic stress can show up as irritability, inability to focus, or even burnout. Understanding these responses as nervous system phenomena, rather than character flaws, is the first step toward compassionate and effective training—on both sides of the saddle.
Detecting Tension: Practical Tools for Riders
One of the challenges riders face is recognizing the early signs of rushing before it snowballs. An invaluable tool is to count your horse’s strides. When you focus on the regularity of each step, you become attuned to subtle changes—a stride that shortens or quickens, an irregular rhythm that signals rising tension. This simple practice not only grounds the rider but acts as an early warning system for the horse’s state of mind.
If you attempt a half halt—an aid designed to rebalance and slow the horse—and your horse responds by calming and returning to a steady pace, it’s a sign that you’ve helped their nervous system settle. But if you find yourself needing to half halt every second stride, you’re not addressing the root cause. The horse isn’t truly letting go of its initial tension; instead, both horse and rider are caught in a cycle of reaction. The real measure of relaxation comes when the horse can stand quietly, attentive but calm, their body soft, eyes clear, and ears listening—mirroring the peaceful presence you might see as they rest in the paddock, alert to your approach but not anxious.
Anecdote: The Value of Stillness
One memorable ride comes to mind—a young gelding who habitually rushed after the canter transition. No amount of half halting seemed to help; he was tense, ears flicking back and forth, jaw clenched. Only when we paused, standing quietly in the center of the arena and breathing together, did his body soften. His head dropped, his eyes cleared, and for the first time, he stood quietly beneath me, truly present. That moment taught me the power of stillness and the nervous system’s need for safety before progress.
Bridging the Gap: Comparing Human and Horse Stress Responses
Humans “rush” too, albeit in different forms. In high-pressure environments, we might speed up our speech, make impulsive decisions, or find ourselves unable to focus. Just as a horse’s nervous system seeks safety through movement, ours seeks relief—sometimes through action, sometimes by shutting down. The key is recognizing that these behaviors aren’t about willful disobedience (in horses) or weakness (in humans), but are rooted in biology.
This shared physiological foundation means we can draw parallels between equine and human behavior, using empathy and scientific knowledge to inform our approach. For example, just as grounding exercises can help anxious humans find calm, gentle groundwork and rhythmic riding can help horses regulate their own stress responses.
Improving Training and Communication: From Reaction to Relationship
True partnership with a horse is built not only on physical cues and aids but on a deep understanding of the nervous system. Warwick Schiller, renowned horseman and trainer, emphasizes the importance of relationship before training. His “one rein stop” technique, for instance, is designed not just to control movement, but to restore a sense of safety to the horse—helping them transition from sympathetic arousal to parasympathetic calm. This approach has been embraced by riders and, more recently, by myself who has who now blends equine training with principles from counseling and psychology.
Groundwork—the practice of interacting with horses from the ground before riding—sets the stage for clear communication. It allows you to observe where your horse is relaxed and where they struggle, offering clues about their emotional state. With this knowledge, you can tailor your training to build on strengths and gently address areas of concern, laying a foundation of trust that carries over into the saddle.
Empathy and Communication: The Heart of Horsemanship
Perhaps the most profound lesson the nervous system teaches us is the value of empathy. When riders understand that a horse’s reactions are not arbitrary or malicious, but are nervous system responses to stress, it changes everything. Instead of labeling a horse as “spooky” or a “bolter,” we can ask, “What is my horse trying to tell me? What does their nervous system need right now?”
This shift in perspective also empowers riders to reflect on their own responses. Are you inadvertently adding to your horse’s tension through your body language, breath, or mindset? By approaching riding as a conversation rather than a contest, you move from frustration to curiosity, from domination to partnership.
Building the Bond: Practical Suggestions
Practice rhythm awareness: Count strides or use a metronome app to notice changes in your horse’s pace.
Groundwork first: Spend time on the ground observing your horse’s reactions to your aids and building trust before riding, being able to ask for the horse to bring its energy up more than you and come back to relaxation.
Learn the signals of relaxation: Look for soft eyes, a lowered head, chewing, blinking and relaxed muscles as signs your horse is letting go of tension.
Use breathing and body awareness: Your own calmness can help regulate your horse’s nervous system.
Half halts with intention: Use them as a check-in, not a crutch; if your horse remains tense, pause and create space for relaxation.
Seek professional guidance: Trainers who understand equine behavior and nervous system science can offer tailored support.
Conclusion
In the intricate dance between horse and human, the nervous system is both partner and choreographer, guiding our steps and reactions. By embracing the science, tuning in to subtle cues, and prioritizing empathy, we open the door to deeper communication and a more fulfilling partnership. Whether you’re counting strides, practicing stillness, or simply standing together in the quiet of the paddock, remember understanding the nervous system is not just the key to training, but the foundation of connection itself with our horse and human relationships.
