Horses are natural guide animals and have been guiding humans for centuries. This ability seems to be ingrained in them genetically as they don't seem to need much training to excel at this skill. We do use other animals as guides at times, however, horses are the only guide animals capable of independent eye movement and they can track potential danger with each eye. This is a useful skill for obvious reasons. Horses are also not addicted to human affection and will stand quietly when on duty. This is not to say that horses don't become attached to people. They do seem to become attached, or at least we want to think they do.

Horses are strongly social herd animals and, when properly handled, can learn to follow and respect a human leader. This respect only comes with an equal respect on the part of the human handler. If a horse is treated properly then he or she will give as well as get. Horses are the most wonderful creatures but they can also be the most difficult ones alive, and let's face it they are way too big and powerful to be badly behaved. Therefore making sure that they are treated correctly is not only a handlers moral responsibility, it is also his need. Working with horses as both a guide animal and a lead animal is both rewarding and challenging and having the knowledge of how to interact with these wonderful creatures is a definite must.