FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(5); 1347; doi: 10.3390/ani11051347

Enhanced Understanding of Horse-Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare.

Abstract: Horses () have been domesticated for millennia and are regularly utilized for work, sport, and companionship. Enhanced understanding of human-horse interactions can create avenues to optimize their welfare. This review explores the current research surrounding many aspects of human-horse interactions by first highlighting the horse's sensory capabilities and how they pertain to human interactions. Evidence exists that suggests that horses can read humans in various ways through our body odours, posture, facial expressions, and attentiveness. The literature also suggests that horses are capable of remembering previous experiences when working with humans. The interrelatedness of equine cognition and affective states within the horse's umwelt is then explored. From there, equine personality and the current literature regarding emotional transfer between humans and horses is examined. Even though horses may be capable of recognizing emotional states in humans, there remains a gap in the literature of whether horses are capable of empathizing with human emotion. The objective of this literature review is to explore aspects of the relationship between humans and horses to better understand the horse's umwelt and thereby shed new light on potential positive approaches to enhance equine welfare with humans.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-05-09 PubMed ID: 34065156PubMed Central: PMC8151687DOI: 10.3390/ani11051347Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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 study reviews existing literature on human-horse interactions to improve our understanding of horses’ perceptions of their environment (umwelt), potentially leading to improved welfare practices for them. The literature not only suggests that horses can interpret human behaviors, emotions, and physical signals, but also assume that horses can retain experiences with humans.

Sensory Capabilities of Horses

  • The research initially dwells on the sensory capabilities of horses and how these abilities relate to human interactions. Studies suggest horses can pick up cues from our body odors, physical postures, and even facial expressions.

Horses’ Understanding and Remembering Human Interactions

  • Evidence shows that horses are capable of reading human attentiveness and remembering previous encounters. Horses remember experiences when interacting with humans, suggesting a level of cognitive understanding and social memory in equines.

Equine Cognition, Affective States and Umwelt

  • The paper also explores the interconnectedness of equine cognition and affective states within the horse’s umwelt, or their perception of their environment. This concept digs deeper into how horses perceive and interpret their surroundings, which includes the humans they interact with.

Equine Personality and Emotional Transfer

  • The review dives into aspects of equine personality and literature related to the emotional transfer between humans and horses. It acknowledges that while horses can seemingly recognize human emotional states, there is not enough research to definitively state if they empathize with human emotions.

Objectives and Implications of the Review

  • The core objective of this review is to explore aspects of the relationship between humans and horses, to develop a deeper understanding of the horse’s umwelt. Such an understanding is hoped to highlight new, positive approaches to enhance equine welfare when humans are involved.

Cite This Article

APA
Merkies K, Franzin O. (2021). Enhanced Understanding of Horse-Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare. Animals (Basel), 11(5), 1347. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051347

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
PII: 1347

Researcher Affiliations

Merkies, Katrina
  • Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
  • Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Franzin, Olivia
  • Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
  • Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 81 references
  1. Taylor WTT, Barrón-Ortiz CI. Rethinking the evidence for early horse domestication at Botai.. Sci Rep 2021 Apr 2;11(1):7440.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86832-9pmc: PMC8018961pubmed: 33811228google scholar: lookup
  2. DuBois C, Nakonechny L, Derisoud E, Merkies K. Examining Canadian Equine Industry Participants' Perceptions of Horses and Their Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2018 Nov 7;8(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani8110201pmc: PMC6262281pubmed: 30405030google scholar: lookup
  3. Hayman D, Merkies K. Examining the Horse-Human Bond from the Human Perspective. Proceedings of the 15th Conference of International Society for Equitation Science; Guelph, ON, Canada. 19–21 August 2019.
  4. Schroer SA. Jakob von Uexküll: The Concept of Umwelt and its Potentials for an Anthropology Beyond the Human. Ethnos 2021;86:132–152.
    doi: 10.1080/00141844.2019.1606841google scholar: lookup
  5. Birke L, Thompson K. (Un)stable Relations: Horses, Humans and Social Agency. Routledge; New York, NY, USA: 2017. pp. 54–56.
  6. Freeman CP, Bekoff M, Bexell SM. Giving Voice to the “Voiceless”. Journal. Stud. 2011;12:590–607.
    doi: 10.1080/1461670X.2010.540136google scholar: lookup
  7. DuBois C, Hambly-Odame H, Haley DB, Merkies K. An Exploration of Industry Expert Perception of Equine Welfare Using Vignettes.. Animals (Basel) 2017 Dec 20;7(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani7120102pmc: PMC5742796pubmed: 29261119google scholar: lookup
  8. Lawrence AB, Newberry RC, Špinka M. Positive welfare: What Does it Add to the Debate Over Pig Welfare?. In: Špinka M., Camerlink I., editors. Advances in Pig Welfare. 1st ed. Woodhead Publishing; Cambridge, UK: 2018. pp. 415–444.
    doi: 10.1016/B978-08-101012-9.00014-9google scholar: lookup
  9. Mellor DJ. Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the "Five Freedoms" towards "A Life Worth Living".. Animals (Basel) 2016 Mar 14;6(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6030021pmc: PMC4810049pubmed: 27102171google scholar: lookup
  10. Vigors B, Lawrence A. What Are the Positives? Exploring Positive Welfare Indicators in a Qualitative Interview Study with Livestock Farmers.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Sep 17;9(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9090694pmc: PMC6770310pubmed: 31533328google scholar: lookup
  11. Rørvang MV, Nielsen BL, McLean AN. Sensory Abilities of Horses and Their Importance for Equitation Science.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:633.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00633pmc: PMC7509108pubmed: 33033724google scholar: lookup
  12. Murphy J, Hall C, Arkins S. What Horses and Humans See: A Comparative Review. Int. J. Zool. 2009;2009:1–14.
    doi: 10.1155/2009/721798google scholar: lookup
  13. Paul SC, Stevens M. Horse vision and obstacle visibility in horseracing.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020 Jan;222:104882.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104882pmc: PMC6988441pubmed: 32025069google scholar: lookup
  14. Hall CA, Cassaday HJ, Derrington AM. The effect of stimulus height on visual discrimination in horses.. J Anim Sci 2003 Jul;81(7):1715-20.
    doi: 10.2527/2003.8171715xpubmed: 12854807google scholar: lookup
  15. Harman AM, Moore S, Hoskins R, Keller P. Horse vision and an explanation for the visual behaviour originally explained by the 'ramp retina'.. Equine Vet J 1999 Sep;31(5):384-90.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03837.xpubmed: 10505953google scholar: lookup
  16. Guarneros M, Sánchez-García O, Martínez-Gómez M, Arteaga L. The underexplored role of chemical communication in the domestic horse, Equus caballus. J. Vet. Behav. 2020;38:89–95.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.05.008google scholar: lookup
  17. Farley W. The Horse Tamer. Random House Children’s Books; New York, NY, USA: 1958. p. 162.
  18. Kimura R. Volatile substances in feces, urine and urine-marked feces of feral horses. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 2001;81:411–420.
    doi: 10.4141/A00-068google scholar: lookup
  19. Stahlbaum CC, Houpt KA. The role of the Flehmen response in the behavioral repertoire of the stallion.. Physiol Behav 1989 Jun;45(6):1207-14.
    doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(89)90111-Xpubmed: 2813545google scholar: lookup
  20. Sabiniewicz A, Tarnowska K, Świątek R, Sorokowski P, Laska M. Olfactory-based interspecific recognition of human emotions: Horses (Equus ferus caballus) can recognize fear and happiness body odour from humans (Homo sapiens). Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2020;230:105072.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105072google scholar: lookup
  21. Lanata A, Nardelli M, Valenza G, Baragli P, DrAniello B, Alterisio A, Scandurra A, Semin GR, Scilingo EP. A Case for the Interspecies Transfer of Emotions: A Preliminary Investigation on How Humans Odors Modify Reactions of the Autonomic Nervous System in Horses.. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:522-525.
    doi: 10.1109/embc.2018.8512327pubmed: 30440449google scholar: lookup
  22. Lemasson A, Boutin A, Boivin S, Blois-Heulin C, Hausberger M. Horse (Equus caballus) whinnies: a source of social information.. Anim Cogn 2009 Sep;12(5):693-704.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-009-0229-9pubmed: 19449192google scholar: lookup
  23. Briefer EF, Maigrot AL, Mandel R, Freymond SB, Bachmann I, Hillmann E. Segregation of information about emotional arousal and valence in horse whinnies.. Sci Rep 2015 Apr 21;4:9989.
    doi: 10.1038/srep09989pmc: PMC4404681pubmed: 25897781google scholar: lookup
  24. Lampe JF, Andre J. Cross-modal recognition of human individuals in domestic horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2012 Jul;15(4):623-30.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-012-0490-1pubmed: 22526687google scholar: lookup
  25. Merkies K, Sievers A, Zakrajsek E, MacGregor H, Bergeron R, Von Borstel UK. Preliminary results suggest an influence of psychological and physiological stress in humans on horse heart rate and behavior. J. Vet. Behav. 2014;9:242–247.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2014.06.003google scholar: lookup
  26. Smith AV, Proops L, Grounds K, Wathan J, Scott SK, McComb K. Domestic horses (Equus caballus) discriminate between negative and positive human nonverbal vocalisations.. Sci Rep 2018 Aug 29;8(1):13052.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-30777-zpmc: PMC6115467pubmed: 30158532google scholar: lookup
  27. Heleski C, Wickens C, Minero M, Dallacosta E, Wu C, Czeszak E, Von Borstel UK. Do soothing vocal cues enhance horses’ ability to learn a frightening task?. J. Vet. Behav. 2015;10:41–47.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2014.08.009google scholar: lookup
  28. Lansade L, Trösch M, Parias C, Blanchard A, Gorosurreta E, Calandreau L. Horses are sensitive to baby talk: pet-directed speech facilitates communication with humans in a pointing task and during grooming.. Anim Cogn 2021 Sep;24(5):999-1006.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-021-01487-3pubmed: 33738670google scholar: lookup
  29. Birke L, Hockenhull J, Creighton E, Pinno L, Mee J, Mills D. Horses’ responses to variation in human approach. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2011;134:56–63.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.06.002google scholar: lookup
  30. Pereira-Figueiredo I, Costa H, Carro J, Stilwell G, Rosa I. Behavioural changes induced by handling at different timeframes in Lusitano yearling horses. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2017;196:36–43.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.06.016google scholar: lookup
  31. Søndergaard E, Halekoh U. Young horses’ reactions to humans in relation to handling and social environment. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2003;84:265–280.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2003.08.011google scholar: lookup
  32. Smith AV, Proops L, Grounds K, Wathan J, McComb K. Functionally relevant responses to human facial expressions of emotion in the domestic horse (Equus caballus).. Biol Lett 2016 Feb;12(2):20150907.
    doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2015.0907pmc: PMC4780548pubmed: 26864784google scholar: lookup
  33. Sankey C, Richard-Yris MA, Henry S, Fureix C, Nassur F, Hausberger M. Reinforcement as a mediator of the perception of humans by horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2010 Sep;13(5):753-64.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-010-0326-9pubmed: 20490592google scholar: lookup
  34. Hausberger M, Stomp M, Sankey C, Brajon S, Lunel C, Henry S. Mutual interactions between cognition and welfare: The horse as an animal model.. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019 Dec;107:540-559.
    doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.022pubmed: 31491471google scholar: lookup
  35. Proops L, Grounds K, Smith AV, McComb K. Animals Remember Previous Facial Expressions that Specific Humans Have Exhibited.. Curr Biol 2018 May 7;28(9):1428-1432.e4.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.03.035pubmed: 29706519google scholar: lookup
  36. Merkies K, McKechnie MJ, Zakrajsek E. Behavioural and physiological responses of therapy horses to mentally traumatized humans. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2018;205:61–67.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.05.019google scholar: lookup
  37. Hodder A, Merkies K. Can Ponies (Equus caballus) Distinguish Human Facial Expressions?. Proceedings of the 57th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society; Virtual Meeting. 28–31 July 2020.
  38. Baba C, Kawai M, Takimoto-Inose A. Are Horses (Equus caballus) Sensitive to Human Emotional Cues?. Animals (Basel) 2019 Aug 29;9(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9090630pmc: PMC6770165pubmed: 31470656google scholar: lookup
  39. Merkies K, MacGregor H, Ouimette M, Bogart E, Miraglia K. The Effect of Human Body Posture on Horse Behaviour. Proceedings of the 7th CCSAW Annual Research Symposium; Guelph, ON, Canada. 14 May 2014.
  40. Proops L, McComb K. Attributing attention: the use of human-given cues by domestic horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2010 Mar;13(2):197-205.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-009-0257-5pubmed: 19588176google scholar: lookup
  41. Maros K, Gácsi M, Miklósi A. Comprehension of human pointing gestures in horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2008 Jul;11(3):457-66.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-008-0136-5pubmed: 18247069google scholar: lookup
  42. Gabor V, Wall S, Gerken M, Brinkmann L. Does inattentional blindness exist in horses (Equus caballus)?. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2019;215:45–51.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.04.002google scholar: lookup
  43. Fureix C, Jego P, Sankey C, Hausberger M. How horses (Equus caballus) see the world: humans as significant "objects".. Anim Cogn 2009 Jul;12(4):643-54.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-009-0223-2pubmed: 19381698google scholar: lookup
  44. Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworski Z, Suwała M, Boroń M, Ogłuszka M, Earley B, Sobczyńska M. Longitudinal study on human-related behaviour in horses—Can horses (Equus caballus) be de-domesticated?. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2017;195:50–59.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.05.020google scholar: lookup
  45. Stone SM. Human facial discrimination in horses: can they tell us apart?. Anim Cogn 2010 Jan;13(1):51-61.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-009-0244-xpubmed: 19533185google scholar: lookup
  46. Hausberger M, Muller C. A brief note on some possible factors involved in the reactions of horses to humans. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2002;76:339–344.
    doi: 10.1016/S0168-1591(02)00016-3google scholar: lookup
  47. Henry S, Hemery D, Richard M-A, Hausberger M. Human–mare relationships and behaviour of foals toward humans. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2005;93:341–362.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2005.01.008google scholar: lookup
  48. Kieson E, Felix C, Webb S, Abramson CI. The effects of a choice test between food rewards and human interaction in a herd of domestic horses of varying breeds and experiences. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2020;231:105075.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105075google scholar: lookup
  49. Dalla Costa E, Minero M, Lebelt D, Stucke D, Canali E, Leach MC. Development of the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) as a pain assessment tool in horses undergoing routine castration.. PLoS One 2014;9(3):e92281.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092281pmc: PMC3960217pubmed: 24647606google scholar: lookup
  50. Pearson G, Waran N, Reardon RJ, Keen J, Dwyer C. A Delphi study to determine expert consensus on the behavioural indicators of stress in horses undergoing veterinary care. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2021;237:105291.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105291google scholar: lookup
  51. Lansade L, Nowak R, Lainé AL, Leterrier C, Bonneau C, Parias C, Bertin A. Facial expression and oxytocin as possible markers of positive emotions in horses.. Sci Rep 2018 Oct 2;8(1):14680.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-32993-zpmc: PMC6168541pubmed: 30279565google scholar: lookup
  52. Lee J, Floyd T, Erb H, Houpt K. Preference and demand for exercise in stabled horses. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2011;130:91–100.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.01.001google scholar: lookup
  53. Von Borstel UU, Duncan IJH, Shoveller AK, Merkies K, Keeling LJ, Millman ST. Impact of riding in a coercively obtained Rollkur posture on welfare and fear of performance horses. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2009;116:228–236.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.10.001google scholar: lookup
  54. Mejdell CM, Jørgensen GH, Buvik T, Torp T, Bøe KE. The effect of weather conditions on the preference in horses for wearing blankets. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2019;212:52–57.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.001google scholar: lookup
  55. McLean AN, Christensen JW. The application of learning theory in horse training. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2017;190:18–27.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.020google scholar: lookup
  56. Hall C, Goodwin D, Heleski C, Randle H, Waran N. Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses?. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2008;11(3):249-66.
    doi: 10.1080/10888700802101130pubmed: 18569222google scholar: lookup
  57. Bell C, Rogers S, Taylor J, Busby D. Improving the Recognition of Equine Affective States.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Dec 11;9(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9121124pmc: PMC6941154pubmed: 31835886google scholar: lookup
  58. Henry S, Fureix C, Rowberry R, Bateson M, Hausberger M. Do horses with poor welfare show 'pessimistic' cognitive biases?. Naturwissenschaften 2017 Feb;104(1-2):8.
    doi: 10.1007/s00114-016-1429-1pubmed: 28083632google scholar: lookup
  59. Popescu S, Diugan EA, Spinu M. The interrelations of good welfare indicators assessed in working horses and their relationships with the type of work.. Res Vet Sci 2014 Apr;96(2):406-14.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.12.014pubmed: 24461957google scholar: lookup
  60. Viggiano E, Marshall-Pescini S, Petak I, Prato-Previde E, Natoli E, Valsecchi P. Are cognitive skills good indicators of welfare in shelter dogs?. J. Vet. Behav. 2009;4:79.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2008.09.070google scholar: lookup
  61. Rivera E, Benjamin S, Nielsen B, Shelle J, Zanella A. Behavioral and physiological responses of horses to initial training: The comparison between pastured versus stalled horses. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2002;78:235–252.
    doi: 10.1016/S0168-1591(02)00091-6google scholar: lookup
  62. Lloyd AS, Martin JE, Bornett-Gauci HLI, Wilkinson RG. Horse personality: Variation between breeds. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;112:369–383.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.08.010google scholar: lookup
  63. Brubaker L, Udell MA. Cognition and learning in horses (Equus caballus): What we know and why we should ask more.. Behav Processes 2016 May;126:121-31.
    doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.03.017pubmed: 27018202google scholar: lookup
  64. Lansade L, Coutureau E, Marchand A, Baranger G, Valenchon M, Calandreau L. Dimensions of temperament modulate cue-controlled behavior: a study on Pavlovian to instrumental transfer in horses (Equus caballus).. PLoS One 2013;8(6):e64853.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064853pmc: PMC3682987pubmed: 23798994google scholar: lookup
  65. Valenchon M, Lévy F, Górecka-Bruzda A, Calandreau L, Lansade L. Characterization of long-term memory, resistance to extinction, and influence of temperament during two instrumental tasks in horses.. Anim Cogn 2013 Nov;16(6):1001-6.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-013-0648-5pubmed: 23743707google scholar: lookup
  66. McCall CA. Making equine learning research applicable to training procedures.. Behav Processes 2007 Sep;76(1):27-8; discussion 57-60.
    doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2006.12.008pubmed: 17433568google scholar: lookup
  67. Hanggi EB, Ingersoll JF. Long-term memory for categories and concepts in horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2009 May;12(3):451-62.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-008-0205-9pubmed: 19148689google scholar: lookup
  68. Miklösi A, Polgárdi R, Topál J, Csányi V. Use of experimenter-given cues in dogs.. Anim Cogn 1998 Oct;1(2):113-21.
    doi: 10.1007/s100710050016pubmed: 24399275google scholar: lookup
  69. Hama H, Yogo M, Matsuyama Y. Effects of stroking horses on both humans’ and horses’ heart rate responses. Jpn. Psychol. Res. 1996;38:66–73.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1468-5884.1996.tb00009.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  70. Chamove AS, Crawley-Hartrick OJE, Stafford KJ. Horse reactions to human attitudes and behavior. Anthrozoös 2002;15:323–331.
    doi: 10.2752/089279302786992423google scholar: lookup
  71. Lesimple C, Hausberger M. How accurate are we at assessing others' well-being? The example of welfare assessment in horses.. Front Psychol 2014;5:21.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00021pmc: PMC3900850pubmed: 24478748google scholar: lookup
  72. Trösch M, Pellon S, Cuzol F, Parias C, Nowak R, Calandreau L, Lansade L. Horses feel emotions when they watch positive and negative horse-human interactions in a video and transpose what they saw to real life.. Anim Cogn 2020 Jul;23(4):643-653.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-020-01369-0pubmed: 32162112google scholar: lookup
  73. Keeling LJ, Jonare L, Lanneborn L. Investigating horse-human interactions: the effect of a nervous human.. Vet J 2009 Jul;181(1):70-1.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.013pubmed: 19394879google scholar: lookup
  74. von Lewinski M, Biau S, Erber R, Ille N, Aurich J, Faure JM, Möstl E, Aurich C. Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability in the horse and its rider: different responses to training and performance.. Vet J 2013 Aug;197(2):229-32.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.12.025pubmed: 23380228google scholar: lookup
  75. Hockenhull J, Young TJ, Redgate SE, Birke L. Exploring Synchronicity in the Heart Rates of Familiar and Unfamiliar Pairs of Horses and Humans Undertaking an In-Hand Task. Anthrozoös 2015;28:501–511.
    doi: 10.1080/08927936.2015.1052284google scholar: lookup
  76. Gartner H. Encountering the Other: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry into Horse/Human Interaction. Master’s Thesis. York University; Toronto, ON, Canada: Jul, 2017. [(accessed on 24 March 2021)]. Available online: http://hdl.handle.net/10315/34313.
  77. Sackman JE, Houpt KA. Equine Personality: Association With Breed, Use, and Husbandry Factors.. J Equine Vet Sci 2019 Jan;72:47-55.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.10.018pubmed: 30929783google scholar: lookup
  78. Rankins EM, Wickens CL. A systematic review of equine personality. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2020;231:105076.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105076google scholar: lookup
  79. Payne E, DeAraugo J, Bennett P, McGreevy P. Exploring the existence and potential underpinnings of dog-human and horse-human attachment bonds.. Behav Processes 2016 Apr;125:114-21.
    doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.004pubmed: 26470887google scholar: lookup
  80. Ijichi C, Griffin K, Squibb K, Favier R. Stranger danger? An investigation into the influence of human-horse bond on stress and behaviour. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2018;206:59–63.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.05.034google scholar: lookup
  81. Lundberg P, Hartmann E, Roth LS. Does training style affect the human-horse relationship? Asking the horse in a separation–reunion experiment with the owner and a stranger. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2020;233:105144.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105144google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 24 times.
  1. Mattila-Rautiainen S, Venojärvi M, Rautiainen H, Keski-Valkama A. The impact on physical performance, pain and psychological wellbeing of chronic low back pain patients during 12-weeks of equine- facilitated therapy intervention. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1085768.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1085768pubmed: 36998640google scholar: lookup
  2. Carroll SL, Sykes BW, Mills PC. Moving toward Fear-Free Husbandry and Veterinary Care for Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 24;12(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12212907pubmed: 36359031google scholar: lookup
  3. Merkies K, Sudarenko Y, Hodder AJ. Can Ponies (Equus Caballus) Distinguish Human Facial Expressions?. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 7;12(18).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12182331pubmed: 36139191google scholar: lookup
  4. Wiśniewska A, Janczarek I, Tkaczyk E, Wilk I, Janicka W, Próchniak T, Kaczmarek B, Pokora E, Łuszczyński J. Minimizing the Effects of Social Isolation of Horses by Contact with Animals of a Different Species: The Domestic Goat as an Example. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 2;12(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12172271pubmed: 36077991google scholar: lookup
  5. Leconstant C, Spitz E. Integrative Model of Human-Animal Interactions: A One Health-One Welfare Systemic Approach to Studying HAI. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:656833.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.656833pubmed: 35968006google scholar: lookup
  6. Kelly KJ, McD￮ LA, Mears K. The Effect of Human-Horse Interactions on Equine Behaviour, Physiology, and Welfare: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 24;11(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11102782pubmed: 34679804google scholar: lookup
  7. White J, Sims R. Improving Equine Welfare through Human Habit Formation. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 21;11(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11082156pubmed: 34438614google scholar: lookup
  8. Manolăchescu D, Tripon M, Crecan C, Tătaru M, Papuc I. Emotional contagion in human-horse interactions: A pilot study investigating the role of stress and body language in emotional transfer. Open Vet J 2025 Nov;15(11):6050-6058.
    doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i11.60pubmed: 41630745google scholar: lookup
  9. Williams JM, Jordan S, Friend L, Kay E, Edmunds M, Flynn H, Wensley S. A move in the right direction: Tracking the traceability of British Thoroughbreds outside of racing. PLoS One 2025;20(9):e0331968.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331968pubmed: 40971368google scholar: lookup
  10. Watson T, Clancy C. Shared work? Unravelling interspecies entanglements, agency, and the rhythms of equids at work. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1570879.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1570879pubmed: 40765743google scholar: lookup
  11. Kieson E. Interspecies Relational Theory: A Framework for Compassionate Interspecies Interactions. Vet Sci 2025 Jun 14;12(6).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci12060586pubmed: 40559823google scholar: lookup
  12. Janczarek I, Gazda I, Barłowska J, Kurnik J, Łuszczyński J. Social Isolation of Horses vs. Support Provided by a Human. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 3;15(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15111649pubmed: 40509115google scholar: lookup
  13. Domínguez-Odio A, González LIC, Alfonso DM, Guevara-Hernández F, La O Arias MA, Zayas MP, Ríos MÁB. Serodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia by indirect ELISA based on a novel synthetic peptide derived from gp45 glycoprotein. Vet Res Commun 2025 Apr 22;49(3):174.
    doi: 10.1007/s11259-025-10707-xpubmed: 40261479google scholar: lookup
  14. Domínguez-Odio A, Rodríguez-Martínez E, Paneque Zayas M, Cala-Delgado DL. Research publications and global manufacture of veterinary vaccines against avian influenza A (2019-2023). Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1394675.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1394675pubmed: 40144520google scholar: lookup
  15. Di Lucrezia A, Scandurra A, Lotito D, Iervolino V, D'Aniello B, Mastellone V, Lombardi P, Pinelli C. The power of interspecific sociality: how humans provide social buffering for horses. Anim Cogn 2025 Mar 12;28(1):20.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-025-01942-5pubmed: 40072705google scholar: lookup
  16. Chapman M, Fenner K, Thomas MJW. Lessons learnt from horse-related human fatalities: Accident analysis using HFACS-Equestrianism. Heliyon 2025 Feb 15;11(3):e42276.
    doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42276pubmed: 39991252google scholar: lookup
  17. Haussler KK, le Jeune SS, MacKechnie-Guire R, Latif SN, Clayton HM. The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 21;15(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15030288pubmed: 39943060google scholar: lookup
  18. Fiedler JM, Ayre ML, Rosanowski S, Slater JD. Horses are worthy of care: Horse sector participants' attitudes towards animal sentience, welfare, and well-being. Anim Welf 2025;34:e6.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.69pubmed: 39935777google scholar: lookup
  19. Barrera G, Albiach-Serrano A, Guillén-Salazar F. Exploring horses' (Equus caballus) gaze and asymmetric ear position in relation to human attentional cues. Anim Cogn 2024 Oct 22;27(1):67.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-024-01909-ypubmed: 39436472google scholar: lookup
  20. Tyrnenopoulou P, Tsilipounidaki K, Florou Z, Gkountinoudis CG, Tyropoli K, Starras A, Peleki C, Marneris D, Arseniou N, Lianou DT, Katsarou EI, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Horses Used in Free-Riding Activities during a Countrywide Study in Greece. Animals (Basel) 2024 Sep 3;14(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14172566pubmed: 39272351google scholar: lookup
  21. Pütz R. Embodied Communication, Sensed Atmospheres, Joint Situations: Human-Horse Encounters from a Neophenomenological Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 7;14(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14121720pubmed: 38929339google scholar: lookup
  22. Frippiat T, Votion DM. Warm-Up Strategies and Effects on Performance in Racing Horses and Sport Horses Competing in Olympic Disciplines. Animals (Basel) 2024 Mar 19;14(6).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14060945pubmed: 38540044google scholar: lookup
  23. Pereira-Figueiredo I, Rosa I, Sancho Sanchez C. Forced Handling Decreases Emotionality but Does Not Improve Young Horses' Responses toward Humans and their Adaptability to Stress. Animals (Basel) 2024 Mar 2;14(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14050784pubmed: 38473169google scholar: lookup
  24. Fenner K, Wilson BJ, Ermers C, McGreevy PD. Reported Agonistic Behaviours in Domestic Horses Cluster According to Context. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 16;14(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14040629pubmed: 38396597google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,658 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.