Horse blind spots: where can't a horse see you?
Right behind it. A horse sees almost all the way around, but a narrow wedge behind its tail is hidden from both eyes. Approach from the side where it can see you, and speak before you walk behind it. Tap the map to explore each zone.
The map: tap a zone
Right behind it, a narrow wedge is hidden from both eyes: about 1 part in 36 of the full circle. Walk in here without a word and you surprise it.
- In front, both eyes see you at once. This zone is about a third as wide as yours, so this is where a horse judges distance best.
- Beside it, one eye sees you. A horse sees almost all the way around without turning its head, so it notices you here even when you are level with its tail.
- Right behind it, a narrow wedge is hidden from both eyes: about 1 part in 36 of the full circle. Walk in here without a word and you surprise it.
A simulation made from published eye studies. Not what the animal feels.
Where are a horse's blind spots?
The big one is right behind it: a narrow wedge, about 1 part in 36 of the full circle, that neither eye covers. Everywhere else around its body, at least one eye sees you.
How far around can a horse see?
Almost all the way around without turning its head. You see about half of the way around. The zone both of its eyes share is about a third as wide as yours.
How should I approach a horse?
From the side, towards its shoulder, where at least one eye can see you. Talk as you come, and keep a hand on it as you pass behind, so it always knows where you are.