Dr Helena Telkanranta’s The Mind of a Horse: Science Meets Comics provides an innovative insight into the behaviour patterns of horses for those new to the equestrian world, while acting as a useful refresher for those who have more experience with horses. The graphic-novel format of the book is a great tool to demonstrate to the reader how to visualize better the various intricacies and subtleties in how horses respond to different scenarios.
The book cleverly packages and presents scientific research in a way that is suitable for readers of all age groups, promoting the idea that all behaviour patterns and tendencies are rooted in reason.
From the point of equine welfare, the book will help horse owners and riders to better understand how to provide a safe and stimulating environment for their animals, while also truly understanding why some horses may be exhibiting unwanted, dangerous, or uncharacteristic behaviours.
The book provides a foundation for understanding how a horse’s senses differ from ours, and how those differences dictate how they experience the world, as well as the importance of social dynamics in their lives. It is highly recommended for any and all involved in the world of horses as it can be a great teaching tool to truly bond with our equine companions.
Aditya Jha
Aditya D. Jha, a former national-level equestrian sportsman, is a practising veterinarian with the Animal Welfare and Rehabilitation Centre, Chembur, Bombay.
