Horses and Music
The Horse Theremin
Zo werkt de Spinner
The Horse Theremin is a musical instrument that horses can use themselves. You can hang it in their environment and they can choose to play it. We are teaching them how to use it with clickertraining. Once they understand how it works and we have installed it they will have 24/7 acces to it. We are very curious to see if they will start to play it by themselves. And if they do, how will they play it? Will they have rythm? Will they repeat certain notes, like a song? How often will they play it? There is so much to discover!
Watch Nono's first music lesson in april 2024 here:
What is a Theremin?
A theremin is an electronic musical instrument that is played without physical contact. It is one of the earliest electronic instruments, invented in the early 1920s by Russian inventor Léon Theremin. The theremin consists of two antennas: one controls pitch and the other controls volume. By moving their hands near these antennas, the player can produce different pitches and dynamics. The instrument creates sound through the manipulation of electromagnetic fields and is known for its eerie and otherworldly sound. It has been used in various musical genres, including classical music, avant-garde, and film soundtracks. Nowadays you have more settings for different sounds which makes it easier on the ears and more suitable for horses.
Why a Horse Theremin?
We wanted to teach our horses to play an instrument to see if they would like to do so. As an enrichment in their daily life. But most instruments are not suitable for them to play and/or to fragile. Then we came across a Theremin. That seemed ideal for our horses. So we bought a Theremin kit and build it a horseproof housing. On this page we will report about teaching the horses how to play this instrument and once they get 24/7 acces to it, if and how they will play it. Please follow our facebook or instagram to get the latest updates or visit this page regularly.
Chime time with the Horse Chime
We’ve designed our second musical instrument for horses—the Horse Chime! 🎶 This fun, interactive puzzle allows horses to create music by pressing bells, engaging their curiosity and creativity.
We’ve started with music lessons to help the ponies understand how it works. Once our music corner on the horse track is ready, the horses will have 24/7 access to the instruments. We’re excited to see if they begin making music on their own!
Why would you want your horse to learn to play a music instrument?
Allowing horses to play a musical instrument can be a form of enrichment and stimulation for them, much like providing toys or activities for pets. Here are a few reasons why it might be beneficial:
Mental Stimulation: Learning to interact with and play a musical instrument can provide mental stimulation for horses. It engages their minds and encourages problem-solving skills.
Bonding and Trust: Working together with a horse to teach them how to play an instrument can strengthen the bond between horse and handler. Especially when u use positive reinforment to teach it. It requires trust and cooperation, building a positive relationship.
Novelty and Variety: Introducing new and novel experiences, like playing a musical instrument, can prevent boredom and provide variety in a horse’s daily routine. It also can help make the horse expect good things from new objects and activities.
Fun and Enjoyment: Just like humans, horses can experience enjoyment from engaging in fun activities. Playing a musical instrument can be a source of pleasure and entertainment for them.
Overall, while it may seem unusual, allowing horses to play musical instruments can be a creative and enriching way to enhance their lives and provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
What does research say about the influence of music on horses?
There have been several studies conducted on the influence of music on horses. Here are some key findings:
Stress Reduction: Research has shown that certain types of music, particularly classical music and music with slow tempos, can help reduce stress levels in horses. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that classical music led to lower heart rates and decreased stress behaviors in horses compared to no music or heavy metal music.
Behavioral Changes: Music can also influence horses’ behavior. A study in the Journal of Animal Science showed that playing classical music in a barn environment reduced stereotypic behaviors (such as cribbing or weaving) in horses.
Performance Improvement: Some studies suggest that music can have a positive effect on horses’ performance in various activities. For example, a study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horses exposed to classical music during training showed improved dressage performance compared to horses trained without music.
Preference: Horses may have preferences for certain types of music. A study in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that horses tended to spend more time in areas where classical music was played compared to areas with no music or areas with heavy metal music.
Calming Effects: Music can have a calming effect on horses, particularly during stressful situations such as veterinary procedures or transportation. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior showed that playing classical music reduced stress responses in horses during trailer loading.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the effects of music on horses, existing studies suggest that it can have various positive influences on their behavior, stress levels, and performance.
Find out about our enrichment puzzels here:
De Crumble Tumble – de verrijkingspuzzel die blijft boeien tot het laatste brokje
$405.90 inc. VAT / inc. BTWDe Spinner – de verrijkingspuzzel die je paard aan het denken zet
$405.90 inc. VAT / inc. BTW
