EQUINE VISION. The horse’s eye is the largest of all land mammals. Eyes’ being located on the side of the head gives the horse an advantage of detecting any predator coming up from behind because of their wide, circular view. This panoramic vision is known as ‘monocular’ it enables the horse to view their surroundings on both sides with either eye. Their ‘binocular’ vision is directed down their nose and not straight ahead. When grazing his vision is directed at the ground in front of him, with his monocular vision at work and if the horse see’s something that warrants checking out he will raise his head to bring his binocular vision into force. The horse’s large eye enables him to detect the slightest of movement which is why windy days will make most horses uneasy. By moving his head he can bring an object into his binocular vision which will give him a better depth of perception. So for example; you are riding your horse out and he is nice and relaxed he will be probably using his monocular vision, then he spots an object head and instantly raises his head, ears forward allowing him now to use his binocular vision. Items on the ground like a bag the horse will lower his head and use his binocular vision. The horse does have a blind spot which is in front of his forehead. So what happens when we ask the horse to work on the bit for example dressage? A horse flexed at the poll will have his head vertical to the ground and therefore a horse working on the bit will be almost certainly relying on his rider for direction. If you watch jumping horses you will notice they lift their heads when approaching a fence to get a better view of the height and depth of the fence with their binocular vision. Horses can see in some colour their eyes have two types of cells called rods and cones. We humans have three different types of cones which allow us to see all colours whereas horses only have two cones only giving limited colour. Given the fact that sometimes we do ride out horses limiting their vision goes to prove how much trust our equine friends do put in us as riders!
Posted on: Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:11:02 +0000
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