Horse Mirror

The instructions on mine said not to put near where they're eating. But my old mare used to move her tub trug if hay so she could stand and admire herself while she ate! Lol

My 3yo arab is in with the mirror now. She very much loves watching herself, and if I'm doing stuff round her like brushing putting rugs in etc, then she stands watching me in the mirror, rather than having to turn her head round lol :)
 
Really I wonder why that is? I have a feeling the welsh A here will be the type to want to watch himself eat. In fact I think he will be the type to just want to look at him self full stop.
 
This is interesting...do you think your horse regards the mirror image as another horse, or are they self-aware? What about the human in the image, is it your "twin" or do they know it is you? As for eating I would say it depends on personality as a strong leader-type would want to eat first and try to chase off subordinate horses, whereas a middle or lower ranking one would probably feel safer eating in company as in "if its safe for you to eat, (no predators) then that'll do for me too". Would you agree? Haven't tried it myself, but have ridden in indoor schools with mirrors which the horses appeared to ignore.
 
I believe only primates and us can recognise ourselves so it's likely they believed its another horse, ive heard cases of horses attacking the mirror. I may try one with my filly, haven't decided yet.
 
I've got one in one stable and its noticeable how much more chilled a horse on box rest is when he's got the mirror with him. He doesn't kick and spin when the others go out, he just goes and stands with his "friend". Did have one horse that kicked the wall with the mirror on when his food was put in the stable - ended up hanging a towel over it!
 
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