The HorseVoice project in Norway and Sweden aims to enhance horse welfare by teaching horses to communicate their preferences, such as whether they want to wear a blanket, using a symbol method. This approach not only gives horses agency but also prompts ethical questions about their autonomy, including the possibility that horses might one day express a desire not to be ridden. The project involves equine students training their horses to use symbols, fostering a deeper understanding of horses as sentient beings rather than mere sports performers, especially in light of recent scandals involving horse mistreatment in elite equestrian circles.

From a rider’s perspective, while individual horses clearly have unique needs and personalities, there are practical limits to accommodating their preferences, especially when health is at stake. For example, a horse might refuse a blanket after exercise despite cold conditions, raising questions about balancing animal choice with responsible care. Ultimately, the project highlights the importance of better understanding horses’ feelings, particularly regarding their health, and there is enthusiasm for future developments that could allow horses to communicate medical symptoms more clearly.