Also is there ever any signs of sour grapes judging by horses' body language?
2006-06-13 11:59:11 · 9 answers · asked by Sattvik allanek 4 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
A horse has different moods just like humans. A horse will get depressed when he knows he has had a bad performance and will sulk, not eat, or train as well as before. Same on the other end, if he wins. He will prance whinny and display confidence.
A good example of this behavior is portrayed in the movie "Sea Biscuit."
Yes, you can detect if a horse wants to or doesn't want to race on a particular day. Watch him in the paddock where they are saddled. You can see his behavior and tell if he is limping, another reason he may not want to run.
2006-06-14 05:02:47 · answer #1 · answered by L A 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just as the horses cannot read the tote board (the odds board) at post time, I don't believe they really care where they come in in a race. All they know is the fact that they are running and that's what they're supposed to do. Horses love to run in packs. I work at an off-track betting parlor, and trust me, I've never seen a horse cry or look depressed that came in last. And I've never seen a horse smile or laugh because he went off and 99-1 odds and won the race!
2006-06-14 00:57:49 · answer #2 · answered by trueblond195 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some horses actually ENJOY being last! Just because they have a bloodline & paperwork that says they are a racehorse doesn't mean they can be winners. Sometimes they are unwilling participants due to bad training, past experiences & accidents, poor diet, health problems, personell changes, uncaring caregivers, lack of sleep, sore muscles, angry jockeys, rough starting gate personell, etc. I could go on, but I think you get my drift. Yes, horses can & do make fun of each other & they will pick on one another if they get the chance. That is why a good handler (hotwalker/groom) keeps their eyes and/or hands on the horse at all times & must be able to sense trouble before it starts!
2006-06-13 13:11:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Horses do get depressed in general. I've helped rehab several horses retired from the track and some are very depressed. You have to teach some of them how to be a horse again.
2006-06-14 18:55:19 · answer #4 · answered by mjfluffy420 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
..Not as much as the owners.
We have only scratched the surface of the language of nature...But, to answer the question, yes, emotional trauma is a part of any animals life, especially when that animal doesn't 'perform' as expected. Then he may think he won't be getting his treats in the aftermath of a race.
2006-06-13 12:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by marnefirstinfantry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly. They are very competitive when it comes to races with other horses.
2006-06-13 12:02:43 · answer #6 · answered by D Block 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ones who actually want to race/enjoy racing do. We have one mare who will get downright ticked off if she even finishes second. Tosses her head, stomps and generally acts ticked off. If she wins, her ears are forward, she stands still and is very sociable.
2006-06-15 05:33:46 · answer #7 · answered by Elizabeth K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see, you are very much interested in the horses mental health :-)
If you'll know what horses really are, you will not ask such naive questions :-)
2006-06-13 12:03:48 · answer #8 · answered by alakit013 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know about that one.
2006-06-13 12:04:08 · answer #9 · answered by obioras 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋