The next time you’re in a traffic jam or a crowded elevator, take a look around. How many of those people know what hay smells like, do you think? Or horse hair? Or manure? How many of them could describe the sounds a horse hears in a stable?

And what about you? How well do you know horses? Would you be able to tell what a horse’s heart beat and respiration sound like?           

A new education effort, led by a French behavior researcher and her business associate, is aiming to increase awareness about horses—for both riders and the general public. They believe that if people understand horses better, the horses will ultimately benefit. 

“Improving equine welfare begins with education and awareness, and that’s our initiative,” said Claire Neveux, MSc, researcher and equine behavior consultant