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Behavioural processes2016; 126; 121-131; doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.03.017

Cognition and learning in horses (Equus caballus): What we know and why we should ask more.

Abstract: Horses (Equus caballus) have a rich history in their relationship with humans. Across different cultures and eras they have been utilized for work, show, cultural rituals, consumption, therapy, and companionship and continue to serve in many of these roles today. As one of the most commonly trained domestic animals, understanding how horses learn and how their relationship with humans and other horses impacts their ability to learn has implications for horse welfare, training, husbandry and management. Given that unlike dogs and cats, domesticated horses have evolved from prey animals, the horse-human relationship poses interesting and unique scientific questions of theoretical value. There is still much to be learned about the cognition and behaviour of horses from a scientific perspective. This review explores current research within three related areas of horse cognition: human-horse interactions, social learning and independent learning in horses. Research on these topics is summarized and suggestions for future research are provided.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2016-03-24 PubMed ID: 27018202DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.03.017Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article explores and reviews the current scientific understanding of horse cognition, with a focus on learning and human-horse interactions. Recognizing the importance for horse welfare, training, and management, the study urges more comprehensive research in this area.

Understanding Horse Cognition

  • The study tackles the cognition and learning behavior of horses (Equus caballus), acknowledging the significant roles they have played for humans throughout history, from work and rituals to companionship and therapy.
  • As one of the most commonly trained domestic animals, understanding how horses learn and interact is crucial for their welfare and proper management. Moreover, horses descended from prey animals, unlike dogs and cats, bringing an interesting angle to examine the horse-human relationship.
  • Despite the considerable amount of research already conducted, there are still many gaps in our understanding of horse cognition and behavior.

Independent, Social Learning and Human-Horse Interactions

  • The review divides the current research on horse cognition into three related areas: human-horse interactions, social learning, and independent learning in horses.
  • Human-horse interactions primarily analyze how horses perceived and respond to human behavior, their ability to recognize individual humans, the impact of human contact, and how these aspects affect the horse’s learning ability.
  • Social learning explores how horses learn from one another. It includes understanding hierarchical dynamics in herds, how they influence learning, and if horses can learn new tasks by observing their peers.
  • Independent learning refers to how horses solve problems and learn new skills on their own. It entails studying memory, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive skills of horses.

Need for More Comprehensive Analysis

  • Although the research has contributed valuable insights into horse cognition, the review emphasizes the need for more comprehensive and diverse studies.
  • It highlights the importance of studying horses within the context of their unique relationship with humans and their natural environments, taking into account factors such as breed, age, training, and individual personality.
  • The authors conclude by stressing the significance of understanding horse cognition for the development of better training methods, improving horse welfare, and providing more meaningful human-horse interactions.

Cite This Article

APA
Brubaker L, Udell MA. (2016). Cognition and learning in horses (Equus caballus): What we know and why we should ask more. Behav Processes, 126, 121-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2016.03.017

Publication

Behavioural processes
ISSN: 1872-8308
NlmUniqueID: 7703854
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 126
Pages: 121-131
PII: S0376-6357(16)30065-1

Researcher Affiliations

Brubaker, Lauren
  • Oregon State University, Department of Animal & Rangeland Sciences, Corvallis, OR, USA. Electronic address: lauren.brubaker@oregonstate.edu.
Udell, Monique A R
  • Oregon State University, Department of Animal & Rangeland Sciences, Corvallis, OR, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Horses / physiology
  • Horses / psychology
  • Knowledge
  • Learning / physiology
  • Social Behavior

Citations

This article has been cited 25 times.
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