The Journey of Learning: Helping Horses Rediscover How to Learn

Photo by: Becky Bunce Photography

Not long ago, I came across this quote:

“You don’t realise how little you know until you try to talk to a toddler in a 'why' phase.” 

It struck a chord with me, especially when reflecting on horse training. Horses, much like toddlers, challenge us to ask deeper questions and reconsider what we assume we know. And, just like toddlers, horses have their own way of learning that we must strive to understand and respect.

When working with horses—whether they’re fresh off the racetrack, from riding schools, competition yards, or sales liveries—we often encounter resistance. They might seem unresponsive, disinterested, or even outright defiant. These behaviours can leave us feeling frustrated or questioning our methods. But what if these moments of resistance aren’t acts of defiance but signs that the horse is struggling with the learning process? Many horses, especially those from highly regimented environments, exhibit what psychologists call learned helplessness. They’ve been conditioned to follow routines so rigidly that their ability to think critically or problem-solve has been stifled.

These horses don’t know how to learn anymore. They’ve been taught to comply rather than to explore and adapt. For these animals, stepping outside of familiar patterns feels overwhelming. Reintroducing them to the process of learning requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to slow down.

Research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science by Louise Evans, Heather Cameron-Whytock, and Carrie Ijichi sheds light on this phenomenon. It reveals that horses, when given the opportunity, are naturally adept learners. However, those coming from structured, task-driven environments often struggle with novel situations because they’ve been conditioned not to question or explore. This doesn’t mean they’re incapable of learning—it means they need the right environment to rediscover their innate curiosity and intelligence.

So, what does that environment look like? It’s one where we, as trainers or handlers, ask why instead of what. Why isn’t the horse responding? Why do they seem disengaged or “checked out”?

These questions are not signs of failure but opportunities to understand the horse’s perspective. Often, resistance signals that the horse needs more time to process and explore the task at hand.

Creating this environment might feel uncomfortable, especially if we’re used to structured programs or quick results. Slowing down can feel counterintuitive in a world that prioritises efficiency. But when we give horses the space to learn—rather than just follow commands—we unlock their ability to think critically and grow. They stop operating on autopilot and begin to engage with us and the world around them in a more thoughtful way.

This shift requires us to let go of perfectionism and embrace curiosity. It’s not about avoiding mistakes but about fostering an atmosphere where mistakes become opportunities for growth. Instead of ticking boxes, we focus on building trust, encouraging exploration, and nurturing the horse’s confidence in its own ability to learn.

If you find yourself frustrated with a horse that seems resistant, remember the toddler in the “why” phase. They’re not being difficult; they’re figuring things out at their own pace. By staying patient and compassionate, we can guide our horses through their rediscovery of learning. And in doing so, we also deepen the connection between us.

The journey of learning isn’t linear—for horses or humans. But when approached with curiosity, patience, and an open heart, it becomes an incredibly rewarding process for both. Together, we grow, question, and discover what’s possible—and that’s when the real transformation begins.