I would venture that curiosity was killed by the Equestrian, or at least the structure of Equitation. What about setting down the formality of your saddle and bridle and taking up one (or more!) of these during your next equine interaction…
The Massage Train
Grooming is important in establishing a relationship with the horse as well as meeting his basic care needs. Venture out to the pasture with one or two grooming tools (or just equip yourself with some determined hands) and see if you can start up a grooming train among the horses in the pasture. If you groom your horse's favorite spots he is likely to gravitate towards another and so on and so forth until everyone is happily grooming one another – with the exception of you. You may need to divert your horse's attention to another equid if he thinks you want to be groomed in return…
Sketch It Out
Take a pad of paper and pencil out to the pasture, find a nice spot to lounge and get to sketching your horse. Chances are good that he will become curious of you and wander over, perhaps even mugging you for your sketching tools. Nothing gets to you notice your horse in greater physical form than by trying to draw him.
Follow The Leader
Wandering aimlessly in the pasture is a great way to accidentally step in fresh manure, but a more rewarding experience is that you may gain the curiosity of your horse and inspire him to wander alongside you. Remember the excitement you felt when you discovered the horse was interested in you as much as you were in him as a child? Can you have him trot alongside you too?
The Hangout
Before we grow up time is an infinite concept. We do not keep track of the hours, minutes, seconds. We live in the moment. Wake up with the sun and wind ourselves into an oblivion of tired in the evening. We make the most of each day until someone teaches us that we have to formally track the time in order to be prompt and responsible. School, work, social lives even. Leave your phone and watch in the barn, wander to the nearest horse location and just be in the moment. Spend some time being without a purpose or cause. Maybe groom, have a chat, go for a walk, take a noonday nap leaning against your horse's shoulders.
What else do you do with your horse to break out of the habitual order of work and to reinstate that natural curiosity?
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I love reading The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. Her fantasy story about riding horses bridleless is wonderful and inspirational. I read if every couple of months or so.
Ivy