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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Using the Horseshoe Crab, Limulus Polyphemus, in Vision Research
Published on: July 3, 2009
Lateral vision in horses: a behavioral investigation
Evelyn B Hanggi1, Jerry F Ingersoll
1Equine Research Foundation, P.O. Box 1900, Aptos, CA 95001, USA. EquiResF@aol.com
Behavioural Processes
|June 16, 2012
Summary
Horses (Equus caballus) can detect objects in nearly their full field of vision. However, their ability to discriminate between objects is limited in their far lateral vision, particularly at position D.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Equine behavior
- Animal vision
Background:
- Understanding equine vision is crucial for animal welfare and management.
- Previous research has primarily focused on the physiology of the equine eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral range of lateral and caudolateral vision in horses (Equus caballus).
- To assess stimulus detection and discrimination capabilities in equine peripheral vision.
Main Methods:
- A novel experimental design was used with three horses.
- Real-life stimuli were presented at various positions (A-D) and heights (Top/Bottom) on both sides.
- Horses used a two-paddle system to indicate stimulus detection or discrimination.
Main Results:
- Horses demonstrated significantly above-chance stimulus detection across all positions and locations.
- Accurate stimulus discrimination occurred at positions A, B, and C (top/bottom).
- Discrimination failed at position D, indicating a limitation in far lateral vision.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral data support physiological findings on equine eye structure.
- Horses can detect objects in an almost 360-degree field.
- Equine object identification is effective within most, but not all, of their panoramic visual range.
