Horse & Hound

The fear factor

HORSES are renowned as fearful animals. They have the largest amygdala - the “fear centre” in the brain - of any species, relative to their body size. As they are big, powerful animals, it is not surprising that their rapid fear responses are the cause of many horse-human accidents.

From a scientific perspective, fear starts with the cognitive awareness that a stimulus is a potential threat. The amygdala processes this information, allowing the animal to alter his behaviour to avoid potential harm.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound7 min read
Access All Areas Tim And Jonelle Price
LOGOS, wood panels and space are among the first impressions when you pull up at Tim and Jonelle Price's base at Chedington, nestled in the rolling Dorset hills. Everything at Chedington is on a grand scale. The estate is home to around 80 horses, li
Horse & Hound1 min read
Ride Of The Week
PATRICK WADGE, who looks set to be crowned champion conditional jockey on Saturday, showed his superb horsemanship with a victory in Ayr's Jordan Electrics Ltd Seafield Trophy Mares’ Handicap Hurdle on the Lucinda Russell-trained Czech Her Out (pictu
Horse & Hound3 min readHorses
Kittel Takes Thriller
FEI WORLD CUP FINALS 16–20 April Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr FEI World Cup Finals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia PATRIK KITTEL won the World Cup Final at the ninth time of asking, riding Touchdown. The freestyle went to th

Related