Stepping outside the Matrix: (Re)examining our relationships with horses

Insights from My Conversation with Renate Larssen.

In this episode of the River Tiger podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a deep and enriching conversation with equine ethologist Renate Larssen. Together, we explored the intricate relationships between humans and horses, shedding light on the emotional and behavioural complexities that define our interactions. Our discussion highlighted the profound value of understanding the equine perspective.

Renate reflected on how the bond between humans and horses is often driven by an inexplicable passion, despite the significant costs involved in our equestrian pursuits. This connection resembles a synaptic and haptic experience that bridges time, space, and species. It is therefore essential to approach horse training and our interactions with them from their perspective rather than forcing our human-centric views onto them.

A critical point of our conversation centred around the idea that horses are sentient beings, deserving of agency and understanding in their interactions with us. As Renate conducts her research in human-animal relations, she highlighted that we often overlook the lived experiences of horses in training and competition settings. This oversight can breed a culture that values obedience over empathy, which can lead to detrimental outcomes for both horse and rider.

We both agreed that it is time to shift away from traditional training approaches, often rooted in military discipline, and embrace a philosophy that truly fosters partnership and mutual respect. By focusing on what our horses need and understanding their behaviour, we can create a more enriching environment for both humans and equines.

During our dialogue, we stressed the importance of providing meaningful experiences over mechanical repetition in our training practices. I lamented the pervasive notion in many riding schools that horses should simply comply without consideration for their emotional states. Renate emphasised the significance of fostering curiosity and encouraging horses to have a voice, the opportunity to express themselves, which can lead to better communication and understanding. She asserted that focusing on what horses need and understanding their behaviour can create a more enriching environment for both humans and equines.

We shared personal anecdotes about the bonds with our horses, illustrating how deep connections can be built through shared experiences and attentiveness to each other’s needs. Renate urged listeners to view equine behaviour, such as biting, spooking, or refusing jumps, through a lens of understanding rather than punishment. This shift in perspective can help reframe the way we perceive and interact with our horses, paving the way for relationships built on trust and respect rather than domination.

In conclusion, Renate and I encouraged listeners to embark on this journey of reflection and change. We challenged the conventional paradigms that govern human-animal relationships and advocated for a perspective that encompasses empathy, emotional understanding, and cultural awareness in our equestrian practices. I firmly believe that by leaning into this exploration, we can foster a more humane and fulfilling experience—not just for ourselves but for the incredible beings we partner with in the equestrian world.

Click the link below to listen to the podcast episode with Renate.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1975020/12913782