Karen Murdock

Lukas Expresses Himself - Lessons from the World’s Smartest Horse

Years ago, I had thought horses only had two expressions because of their mostly fixed facial bones: neutral and angry. However, Lukas has shown me that he is capable of many more “looks”. By directing an eye here, an ear there or a nostril twitch to crea... Read >

Lukas Expresses Himself - Lessons from the World’s Smartest Horse

Following Lukas’ second bout of impaction colic (due to dehydration), I became nervous about his water intake. As strong and powerful as they look, horses’ digestive systems are surprisingly delicate. Unlike cattle who have several stomachs, horses have o... Read >

Lukas Plays Around - Games from the World’s Smartest Horse

Following Lukas’ second bout of impaction colic (due to dehydration), I became nervous about his water intake. As strong and powerful as they look, horses’ digestive systems are surprisingly delicate. Unlike cattle who have several stomachs, horses have o... Read >

Lukas’ Narrow Escape (Excerpt from the World’s Smartest Horse Children’s Book)

Lukas stood in his stall. It was his home at the racetrack since arriving from the breeder’s farm when he was only fifteen months old. It was the stall he came back to after his hard morning work-outs to hang his head and rest before they came to run him ... Read >

Lukas Goes to the Zoo? Excerpt from the World’s Smartest Horse Children’s Book

“Guess what, Lukas?" Karen asked him excitedly one day. They were under Lukas’ shelter and it was raining. They watched as the water rolled off his roof in clear sheets. Lukas was thinking how good it was to be warm and dry and cozy with his family. The t... Read >

Lukas Meets the Mustangs - Excerpt from the World’s Smartest Horse Children’s Book

Karen sat on a tree limb while Lukas looked for the longest strand of grass he could find. Sunshine streamed through the fluttering leaves and a squirrel was high overhead with a plump nut stuffed in its mouth. Lukas blinked and turned to look at Karen in... Read >

TRICK TRAINING ANIMALS - Lessons with the World’s Smartest Horse - Touching

By now you’re aware of the importance of liberty work, have an understanding of the basic foundation of shaping, are able to implement a program with proper amounts of pressure and give appropriate rewards. How does a simple touch warrant an article you m... Read >

TRICK TRAINING ANIMALS - Lessons with Lukas, the World’s Smartest Horse - The Smile

If you've done any horse training, you've likely had some exposure to training basics, liberty work, and using rewards to elicit response. But these are just theory. Today I want to show you how to combine real life situations with these theories and teac... Read >

Trick-Training Animals Lessons with Lukas, the World’s Smartest Horse – Pressure

Pressure is any request I make of my student. I use the lightest detectable cue possible – in this way the animal becomes more sensitive and anticipatory. Let’s all take a little test. This one always gets everyone's attention! I'd like you to take your f... Read >

Trick-Training Animals Lessons with Lukas, the World’s Smartest Horse: Rewards and Punishment

“You’re going to spoil that horse!" If I’ve heard that accusation once, I’ve heard it a thousand times. Yet, their horses grab for fingers while Lukas waits patiently and motionless for his carrot sliver an inch from his muzzle, and gently scoops proffere... Read >

Trick Training Animals Lessons with Lukas, the World’s Smartest Horse: Liberty

For those of you familiar with Lukas, you already know that I consider liberty work to be the most important element in my training program; I credit Lukas' learning to learn, and our bond to it. Lukas is never tied - all of our ground time together is sp... Read >

Does Lukas Know He’s Lukas? Conducting An Experiment in Self-Awareness

Are horses self-aware? Ex-racehorse Lukas is about to participate in an experiment designed to find out. A lively discussion on Horse Conscious inspired Lukas' owner to investigate animal cognition and perception. For a long time, experts have claimed tha... Read >

Far from Over the Hill

I met Lukas, my horse, when he was nine years old – considered past his prime for much change; he was set in his ways and had many issues by that time. Certainly, his dismal background contributed to his fears and difficulties: three last place race finis... Read >

LEARNING WITH LUKAS - Lessons From The World's Smartest Horse

My horse Lukas is a seventeen year old Thoroughbred ex-racer and former rescue. He ran in three races as a two-year-old, injured his legs and left the track. He subsequently changed homes several times and was found starving in a yard and saved by a neigh... Read >

Horses Can't Do That! Meet Lukas, The World's Smartest Horse and Yes He Can Do That!

Lukas, known to his fans as the World's Smartest Horse - a fact that's been verified by the World Records Academy and Guinness - doesn't believe there's much horses can't do. In fact, he's attracted world-wide attention for his cognitive abilities and per... Read >