The horse’s sense of touch—the tactile sense—is very acute. A horse can perceive even the slightest touch to different parts of its body. Perhaps the best example is the horse’s ability to detect the extremely small movement of a few hairs when an insect lands on its coat. The insect weighs next to nothing; the horse’s weight is likely to be 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. Yet the horse senses the small insect and voluntarily shakes its skin. That shakes the hairs and causes the insect to leave. 

Most horses enjoy being touched by humans once they have been “desensitized” and taught to trust human hands. There are many popular and very successful “desensitization programs” to build this trust, especially in newborn foals. 

Most horses prefer a “soft,” smooth touch, rather than a rough pat. With training, most horses will learn to step aside in response to a very light hand against the body and a verbal request to “step over” or “move over.” 

A Horse’s Sensitive Touch Areas

Most areas of the horse’s body are very sensitive to being touched. Some areas are sensitive because the horse can’t see you well. This includes the area directly behind the horse. It also includes directly in front of and close to the horse’s face or under his chin.

Other areas that might be sensitive to some horses include the ears and legs. Some horses are sensitive about anything touching their tails or genitals.

Aids to Horses

The sense of touch is very important for training. Once a horse learns to respond to the training aids of hands, legs, and weight, it can learn to respond to lighter and lighter aids. However, continual use of excessively strong training aids can make a horse “dead” or less responsive to the aids.  

Although horses learn from repetition, a horse might develop a “hard mouth” from constant, severe rein and bit pressure in the mouth. They also can develop what might be termed “dead sides” from a rider’s constant or harsh leg or spur pressure. 

A well-trained horse responds to training aids and can detect even the slightest aid if properly given. With proper training and the use of correct aids, the horse will know what is being asked and will respond almost immediately by producing the desired gait or movement. 

Always remember that horses are very sensitive creatures; treat them with respect! 

Note: Adapted from Equine Science: Basic Knowledge for Horse People of All Ages

Further Reading

Research on Small Area Group Turnout for Stalled Horses. MySeniorHorse.com