Does anyone know how long a horse could remember a person without seeing them?

Question

I am buying back a horse I once owned 8 months ago, she seemed to remember my husband and myself, is that possible?

Answer 1

The horse has a ‘photographic’ memory, as every horse person knows. Memories are stored intact, and unlike humans whose memories are clouded by out-of-context recall, the horse only retrieves the memory when the original stimulus (e.g. the visual picture) is present, so their memories tend not to be susceptible to corruption. If the landscape changes, they show suspicion, then habituate, and consequently update their stored memory. In the early stages of memory formation, memories, or rather learned responses (since most memories involve a reaction in the horse) exist in the brain as simple, fragile pathways and nets.
So, yes, it is not only possible, but probable.

Answer 2

Horses have a very good memory when they want to. The first thing I would do with a new horse is breath into its nose. That makes an imprint in their mind. They will remember that smell for many years. Some are that way with voices. Scent is a big factor in horse survival. Sure it's possible. A horse will remember you by your scent.

Answer 3

Of course she does. My mother sold her horse a year ago, and when she went to the farm to see her, she called her name (the new owners have changed it), and though she's a pain to catch, she trotted right over. So I think it's quite likely that the horse remembers you. Horses are herd animals, and hence need to have a good memory for what's good (what they like) and what's bad (what might hurt them). Their survival in the wild depends on it.

Answer 4

I was reading a article in a magizne (i think it was horse illistrated) and it talked about a woman looking for a horse her husband had 20 years ago and she found it and she bought it and the horse remembered her husband. The horses name was dude i think.

Answer 5

I read a story wehere a horse remembered a woman from 15 years before.

Answer 6

I know a horse I was away from for 14 years - she DEFINITELY remembered me. I took care of her before her racing career and during it off the track. She'd retired, raised several foals, I tracked her down and had her brought cross country - when the driver opened the door she clearly remembered me.

Answer 7

yes if u took good care of her and showed her compassion then she will remember u very well infact horses hardly ever forget things exspecially there humans that loved/love them havent u watched black beauty

Answer 8

YES!! Absolutely yes. IF you were kind to her and loved her and treated her well, she will not only remember you but will quickly show you how happy she is to be back home!! You GO girl!!!

Answer 9

yes bc most ppl say that horses r stupid but fact is that they r really smart.

Answer 10

give dhills23 the 10 points-- he said it most eloquently!! :)