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Originally Posted by VigorsTheGrey
I've often heard trainers say that such and such horse is really smart...how is a horses smartness or intelligence measured? By how well he trains? By how well he performs what humans require from him? By how stubborn he is in refusing our demands?
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All of the above. How well he/she trains, picks up what is wanted of him/her has a great deal to do with it. Too, they can be demanding, while at the same time, very people oriented, which also is a sign of intelligence.
An example: Lady Eli is a strong willed, demanding piece of work! So determined, but this is what has enabled her to handle the rigors of fighting laminitis. She doesn't warm to people, only Chad's assistant.
When feeding treats to horses, don't just keep your hand palm up, also keep it flat and open for things like mints. Horses can reach for your fingers. With carrots, either give smaller ones on your palm, or have very large ones for them to bite, and it won't take but two bites. Apples? Whole thing, open palm. And don't turn your back on a feisty one. I've had my jacket ripped, nibbling at my shoulder. ... Others mouths are as soft as a babies. Just depends on the individual. <3
