THE HORSE’S MEMORY: MYTH OR SCIENTIFIC REALITY?
Realistic depiction of a bay horse, symbolizing equine memory between myth and science.
Equine memory has fascinated people for centuries, sometimes glorified by riders’ tales, sometimes rigorously studied by researchers. Between popular legends and recent scientific discoveries, what do we really know about the horse’s ability to remember?
I. Memory in the Collective Imagination
1. Horse and memory in ancient accounts
In many cultures, the horse is described as a loyal companion, capable of recognizing its master after long absences. Ancient and medieval accounts tell of horses finding their way back to their stables over many kilometers, or refusing to be ridden by a stranger.
2. Persistent myths
- The horse "never forgets an injustice"
- It can recognize human faces even after several years
- It remembers complex routes after walking them only once
These beliefs, often passed down from generation to generation, raise the question of their scientific basis.
II. Scientific Approaches to Equine Memory
1. Types of memory studied in horses
Researchers distinguish several forms of memory:
- Associative memory: ability to associate a stimulus with a reward or punishment.
- Spatial memory: ability to navigate the environment, essential for a prey animal.
- Social memory: recognition of individuals (humans or horses).
- Long-term memory: durable storage of acquired information.
2. Experiments and results
- Studies show that horses remember how to solve problems (e.g., opening a box to get food) several months after learning.
- They are able to recognize human voices and faces even after several years without contact.
- Spatial memory experiments reveal that horses remember the location of water or food sources in their environment.
3. Observed limits
Although efficient, horse memory remains contextual:
- It is strongly linked to emotions (a horse does not forget a traumatic experience).
- It can be selective: repeated learning is better retained than a single event, unless it is emotionally charged.
III. Comparison with Other Species
1. Equine memory vs canine memory
Dogs, also close to humans, have shown episodic memory abilities (remembering past actions). Horses, however, excel mainly in associative and social memory.
2. Equine memory vs primates
Although inferior to primates, horse memory is remarkable for an herbivore, as it allows them to survive in open environments (remembering predators, safe places, reliable companions).
IV. Practical Implications for Humans
1. Training and learning
- Positive repetition anchors knowledge.
- Harsh methods leave a lasting negative imprint.
- Consistency and patience reinforce memory quality.
2. Daily management
- An abused horse retains the memory of fear for a long time.
- A horse used to reassuring routines becomes attached to them and can be disturbed by sudden changes.
- Recognition of human faces shows the importance of trust-based relationships.
Conclusion
Horse memory is much more than a myth: research confirms that it possesses highly developed associative, social, and spatial memory, with particular sensitivity to emotional experiences.
However, one should not overestimate its abilities: horses do not think like humans, and their memories are strongly influenced by their living context and emotions.
"The horse never forgets what touched its heart."
