Photo by James Anthony via Pexels
What does the Kentucky Derby sound like – from a horse’s perspective? From the iconic bugle call to the thunder of hoofbeats and roaring crowds, this episode explores how horses perceive the Derby’s intense soundscape – and how that awareness will change how you view this year’s Derby!
Guest
Today’s guest, Janet Marlow, has spent years studying how animals perceive and respond to sound. She’s the author of the new ebook What Horses Hear: Understanding Equine Hearing and Behavior, and the founder of Pet Acoustics, where she recently developed the Certified Sound Behaviorist™ program. Today we’re going to explore how horses perceive the complex sound environment of an event like the Kentucky Derby, how sound can influence equine behavior and wellbeing, and how understanding equine hearing may change the way we watch the race this year. Janet is a rare third-time guest on this podcast (as of today)! She’s a musician, researcher, innovator, and renowned expert in sound and its effects on animals.
Notes
We discuss:
- How does a horse’s sense of hearing differ from a human’s, and what should we know about how horses perceive ALL of the sounds around them during an event like the Kentucky Derby?
- What are some sounds humans might overlook but are impacting horses?
- In high-stimulation environments like the Derby, what strategies might we see trainers or handlers use to help horses stay calm and focused amid the noise? Are there ways sound can actually help regulate horses in these environments, rather than just overstimulate them?
- The biggest misconception Janet encounters about how horses hear and process sound.
- Janet’s top insight from her book that every horse owner or rider should know.
- How an understanding of equine hearing can change the way humans interact with horses in everyday settings like barns, trails, or competitions.
- The new Pet Acoustics: Certified Sound Behaviorist™ Certification: Who it’s for and how it’s equipping professionals to better understand the powerful role of sound in animal wellbeing – and assess acoustic environments and integrate sound protocols into their work with intention and science.
Connect/Other Resources
- Website: www.petacoustics.com
- New ebook: What Horses Hear: Understanding Equine Hearing and Behavior (available now as a digital download)
- Facebook facebook.com/PetAcoustics
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theofficialpetacoustics/
- Twitter https://twitter.com/petacoustics
- Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-marlow-64813523/
- Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@petacoustics
- Pet Acoustics: Certified Sound Behaviorist™ Certification
- The primary bugle song played at the Kentucky Derby is the “Call to the Post,” which signals the horses to the starting gate for each race.
- What’s playing in the barn? A science-based approach to music is an educational video produced by Boehringer Ingelheim that features Janet Marlow, founder of Pet Acoustics, and explores how species-specific music can reduce stress in horses.
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 52: In honor of the “2020” Olympics: The MUSICAL Olympic event, with champion equestrian Betsy Van Dyke
- Ep. 204: What does my cat think of music? How music can help your cat live its best life! with Janet Marlow
- Ep. 161: Enhancing pet health with species-specific music that calms anxiety and improves behavior; with Janet Marlow
- Ep. 124: How can music enhance my DOG’s health and behavior? With Lisa Spector
- Ep. 58: What does Sesame Street music have to do with guide dogs? September is National Guide Dog Month; with Rena Strober
- View all episodes related to Sports & Entertainment
In-Episode Promo
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Coda
Janet describes how the horse has carried our history – in work, in war, in sport, and in healing. The musical tool she wishes more people embraced is intentional listening. “Because when we shape the soundscape with respect, we honor a partnership that has shaped humanity itself.”
Closing Words
For those of you who are equestrians, I hope this conversation with Janet gave you insights into how sound impacts the equines in your life. For those of you who aren’t riders, like me, I hope this conversation gave you new awareness of the full Derby soundscape. Let me know what you notice as a result when watching this year’s Derby! I know I will be watching those horse’s ears – at the Derby and whenever I encounter a horse from now on.
If you have not already signed up for my Soundbites email newsletter, just a heads up that the next issue will include a chance to win a free brand new book (releasing soon and featured in an upcoming episode). The free book offer will only be available to Soundbites subscribers so be sure to sign up with the link in the show notes! This is an occasional newsletter – no more than once a month. So you will NOT be inundated with emails when you sign up for this (and of course you can unsubscribe at any time).
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Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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