SARGA.CO – Many people assume that racehorses rely only on strength and speed. In fact, horses have memory and perceptual abilities that allow them to memorize tracks and understand jockey instructions with surprisingly accurate precision.
Horse trainers and behavior researchers say that these animals have strong long-term memory, especially for repeated experiences, sounds, and body sensations while running on the track.
Learning the Track Through “Body Memory”
Horses do not remember a track the way humans memorize a map. They rely on kinesthetic memory — body memory of turns, speed, and changes in ground surface.
After several training sessions, horses know where they need to stay balanced and when to start increasing their pace.
A Secret Language Between Horse and Jockey
Jockey instructions are not as simple as pulling the reins or using the whip. Horses respond to subtle signals such as leg pressure, shifts in the jockey’s body weight, and even small clicking sounds.
This combination of signals forms a “language” that horses learn to understand during training.
Herd Instinct Becomes the Key
As herd animals, racehorses tend to follow the rhythm of other horses. This helps them read race situations, especially when overtaking or finding space in a crowded field.
Sensitive to Visuals and Sounds
Horses also remember the arena through visual markers such as fences, distance boards, as well as the sound of the starting gate and the roar of the crowd. All of this forms a mental map that guides them.
Thousands of Hours of Teamwork
Experts say that the synchronization between horse and jockey is the result of thousands of repetitions. When the race begins, many top horses seem to “know” exactly when to release their power.
(Source: America’s Best Racing, Horse Idol)
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