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(2); 457; doi: 10.3390/ani11020457

From the Horse’s Perspective: Investigating Attachment Behaviour and the Effect of Training Method on Fear Reactions and Ease of Handling-A Pilot Study.

Abstract: The study investigated equine responses to novelty and handling, aiming to reveal whether horse-human relationships reflect criteria of an attachment bond. Twelve adult Standardbreds were subjected to a fear-eliciting test (novel objects presented close to two humans) and a handling test (being led passing novel objects) to study attachment-related behaviours and ease of handling. The tests were performed both before (pre-test) and after (post-test) horses had been trained by the same female handler (10 sessions of 15 min). Horses were assigned to three groups of four, each of which underwent different operant conditioning protocols: negative reinforcement (NR; pressure, release of lead, and whip tap signals) or combined NR with either positive reinforcement using food (PRf) or wither scratching (PRs). Results showed that neither familiarity of the person nor training method had a significant impact on the horses' behavioural responses in the post-tests. However, horses showed decreased heart rates between pre- and post-tests, which may indicate habituation, an effect of training per se, or that the presence of the familiar trainer served to calm the horses during the challenging situations. There were large individual variations among the horses' responses and further studies are needed to increase our understanding of horse-human relationships.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-02-09 PubMed ID: 33572351PubMed Central: PMC7916092DOI: 10.3390/ani11020457Google 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

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 explores horses’ reactions to novel situations and handling, with the aim to understand if the relationship between horses and humans reflects attachment behaviours. Twelve adult horses were subjected to tests involving fear responses and handling before and after being trained by the same female handler. The horses were divided into three groups, each group receiving different training methods. The findings showed that familiarity with the handler or the type of training didn’t have a significant effect on how horses responded in the post-training tests, but horses had lower heart rates in the post-tests, which could be due to habituation, the effect of training, or the calming presence of the familiar handler.

Methodology

  • The study involved twelve adult Standardbreds that underwent a fear-eliciting test (novel objects presented near two humans) and a handling test (being led passing novel objects) to study attachment-related behaviours and ease of handling.
  • These tests were conducted before and after the horses had been trained by a single female handler through ten sessions, each lasting 15 minutes.
  • The horses were divided into three groups of four. Each group was subjected to different operant conditioning protocols: one group underwent negative reinforcement (NR; pressure, release of lead, and whip tap signals), while the other two groups experienced NR combined with either positive reinforcement through food (PRf) or wither scratching (PRs).

Findings

  • The research found that neither the familiarity of the person nor the training method had a significant impact on the horses’ behavioural responses in the post-tests.
  • However, a decrease in heart rates was observed between pre- and post-tests. This reduction could indicate habituation (adaptation to the reoccurring presence of humans), an effect of the training itself, or the calming influence of the familiar trainer during stressful situations.
  • The study also uncovered large individual differences among the horses’ responses, suggesting that further research is needed to increase our understanding of horse-human relationships.

Implications and Future Research

  • Although this study does not provide a clear answer to whether the human-horse relationship reflects attachment behaviours, it does suggest potential areas of exploration for future research, such as a deeper study into the effects of habituation and individual variations in horses.
  • The fact that neither the familiarity of the person nor the type of training significantly affected the horses’ behavioural responses could be seen as a starting point for investigating other factors that may influence horse-handler relationships.
  • This study should be viewed as a pilot study and further, more detailed studies would be needed to make definitive conclusions on the nature of horse-human relationships.

Cite This Article

APA
Hartmann E, Rehn T, Christensen JW, Nielsen PP, McGreevy P. (2021). From the Horse’s Perspective: Investigating Attachment Behaviour and the Effect of Training Method on Fear Reactions and Ease of Handling-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel), 11(2), 457. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020457

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 2
PII: 457

Researcher Affiliations

Hartmann, Elke
  • Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
Rehn, Therese
  • Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
Christensen, Janne Winther
  • Department of Animal Science-ANIS Welfare, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Nielsen, Per Peetz
  • Department of Agriculture and Food, RISE Research Institute of Sweden, 22370 Lund, Sweden.
McGreevy, Paul
  • Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

Grant Funding

  • 942-2015-1430 / Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development, FORMAS

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funding agency FORMAS had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

References

This article includes 62 references
  1. Hawson L.A., McLean A.N., McGreevy P.D.. The roles of equine ethology and applied learning theory in horse-related human injuries.. J. Vet. Behav. Clin. Appl. Res. 2010;5:324–338.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.06.001google scholar: lookup
  2. Starling M, McLean A, McGreevy P. The Contribution of Equitation Science to Minimising Horse-Related Risks to Humans.. Animals (Basel) 2016 Feb 23;6(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6030015pmc: PMC4810043pubmed: 26907354google scholar: lookup
  3. 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
  4. Marsbøll AF, Christensen JW. Effects of handling on fear reactions in young Icelandic horses.. Equine Vet J 2015 Sep;47(5):615-9.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12338pubmed: 25138590google scholar: lookup
  5. 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
  6. Hinde RA. On describing relationships.. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1976 Jan;17(1):1-19.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1976.tb00370.xpubmed: 1249137google scholar: lookup
  7. Ainsworth MD. Attachments beyond infancy.. Am Psychol 1989 Apr;44(4):709-16.
    doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.44.4.709pubmed: 2729745google scholar: lookup
  8. BOWLBY J. The nature of the child's tie to his mother.. Int J Psychoanal 1958 Sep-Oct;39(5):350-73.
    pubmed: 13610508
  9. Ainsworth MD, Bell SM. Attachment, exploration, and separation: illustrated by the behavior of one-year-olds in a strange situation.. Child Dev 1970 Mar;41(1):49-67.
    doi: 10.2307/1127388pubmed: 5490680google scholar: lookup
  10. Bowlby J.. Attachment and Loss. Volume 1. Basic Books; New York, NY, USA: 1969.
  11. Edwards C., Heiblum M., Tejeda A., Galindo F.. Experimental evaluation of attachment behaviors in owned cats.. J. Vet. Behav. Clin. Appl. Res. 2007;2:119–125.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2007.06.004google scholar: lookup
  12. Rehn T., Lindholm U., Keeling L., Forkman B.. I like my dog, does my dog like me?. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2014;150:65–73.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.10.008google scholar: lookup
  13. Lundberg P., Hartmann E., Roth L.S.. 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. 2020:105144.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105144google scholar: lookup
  14. Thielke LE, Udell MAR. Characterizing Human-Dog Attachment Relationships in Foster and Shelter Environments as a Potential Mechanism for Achieving Mutual Wellbeing and Success.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Dec 30;10(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10010067pmc: PMC7023214pubmed: 31905973google scholar: lookup
  15. Lenkei R, Újváry D, Bakos V, Faragó T. Adult, intensively socialized wolves show features of attachment behaviour to their handler.. Sci Rep 2020 Oct 14;10(1):17296.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-74325-0pmc: PMC7560749pubmed: 33057050google scholar: lookup
  16. Ainsworth M.D.S., Blehar M.C., Waters E., Wall S.N.. Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation.. Psychology Press; New York, NY, USA: 2015.
  17. Topál J, Miklósi A, Csányi V, Dóka A. Attachment behavior in dogs (Canis familiaris): a new application of Ainsworth's (1969) Strange Situation Test.. J Comp Psychol 1998 Sep;112(3):219-29.
    doi: 10.1037/0735-7036.112.3.219pubmed: 9770312google scholar: lookup
  18. Rehn T., Keeling L.J.. Measuring dog-owner relationships: Crossing boundaries between animal behaviour and human psychology.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2016;183:1–9.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.07.003google scholar: lookup
  19. Mills D., Nicholas J.. The rider–horse relationship.. In: Mills D.S., Mc Donnell S.M., editors. The Domestic Horse: The Origins, Development and Management of Ist Behaviour. Cambridge University Press; Cambridge, UK: 2005. pp. 161–168.
  20. McGreevy PD, Oddie C, Burton FL, McLean AN. The horse-human dyad: can we align horse training and handling activities with the equid social ethogram?. Vet J 2009 Jul;181(1):12-8.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.005pubmed: 19375965google scholar: lookup
  21. Gorecka A., Bakuniak M., Chruszczewski M., Jezierski T.A.. A note on the habituation to novelty in horses: Handler effect.. Anim. Sci. Pap. Rep. 2007;25:143–152.
  22. 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
  23. Hausberger M., Roche H., Henry S., Visser E.K.. A review of the human–horse relationship.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;109:1–24.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015google scholar: lookup
  24. Deldalle S., Gaunet F.. Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship.. J. Vet. Behav. Clin. Appl. Res. 2014;9:58–65.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2013.11.004google scholar: lookup
  25. De Castro A.C.V., Barrett J., de Sousa L., Olsson I.A.S.. Carrots versus sticks: The relationship between training methods and dog-owner attachment.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2019;219:104831.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104831google scholar: lookup
  26. 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
  27. Sankey C., Richard-Yris M.-A., Leroy H., Henry S., Hausberger M.. Positive interactions lead to lasting positive memories in horses, Equus caballus.. Anim. Behav. 2010;79:869–875.
    doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.12.037google scholar: lookup
  28. Sankey C, Henry S, Górecka-Bruzda A, Richard-Yris MA, Hausberger M. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach: what about horses?. PLoS One 2010 Nov 15;5(11):e15446.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015446pmc: PMC2981555pubmed: 21085576google scholar: lookup
  29. McBride S., Hemmings A., Robinson K.. A preliminary study on the effect of massage to reduce stress in the horse.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2004;2:76–81.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2004.01.014google scholar: lookup
  30. Feh C., de Mazières J.. Grooming at a preferred site reduces heart rate in horses.. Anim. Behav. 1993;46:1191–1194.
    doi: 10.1006/anbe.1993.1309google scholar: lookup
  31. Kieson E., Felix C., Webb S., Abramson C.I.. 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
  32. Thorbergson ZW, Nielsen SG, Beaulieu RJ, Doyle RE. Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Horses to Wither Scratching and Patting the Neck When Under Saddle.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2016 Jul-Sep;19(3):245-59.
    doi: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1130630pubmed: 26958705google scholar: lookup
  33. Ahrendt L.P., Labouriau R., Malmkvist J., Nicol C.J., Christensen J.W.. Development of a standard test to assess negative reinforcement learning in horses.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2015;169:38–42.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.05.005google scholar: lookup
  34. Ellis S., Greening L.. Positively reinforcing an operant task using tactile stimulation and food—A comparison in horses using clicker training.. J. Vet. Behav. Clin. Appl. Res. 2016;15:78.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.08.008google scholar: lookup
  35. McLean A., McLean M.. Academic Horse Training—Equitation Science in Practice.. Australian Equine Behaviour Centre; Clonbinane, Australia: 2008.
  36. Payne E, Boot M, Starling M, Henshall C, McLean A, Bennett P, McGreevy P. Evidence of horsemanship and dogmanship and their application in veterinary contexts.. Vet J 2015 Jun;204(3):247-54.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.04.004pubmed: 25959129google scholar: lookup
  37. Lansade L., Bouissou M.-F., Erhard H.W.. Fearfulness in horses: A temperament trait stable across time and situations.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;115:182–200.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.06.011google scholar: lookup
  38. Lloyd A.S., Martin J.E., Bornett-Gauci H.L.I., Wilkinson R.G.. Horse personality: Variation between breeds.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;112:369–383.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.08.010google scholar: lookup
  39. Brubaker A., Berger J., Willits N., Coss R.. Novelty-seeking and object play behavior in adult domestic horses.. In: Heleski C., Wickens C., editors. Embracing Science to Enhance Equine Welfare and Horse-Human Interactions, Proceedings of 9th International Society for Equitation Science Conference, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA, USA. University of Delaware; Newark, DE, USA: 2013. p. 48.
  40. Lansade L., Bouissou M.-F.. Reactivity to humans: A temperament trait of horses which is stable across time and situations.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;114:492–508.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.012google scholar: lookup
  41. Fureix C, Pagès M, Bon R, Lassalle JM, Kuntz P, Gonzalez G. A preliminary study of the effects of handling type on horses' emotional reactivity and the human-horse relationship.. Behav Processes 2009 Oct;82(2):202-10.
    doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2009.06.012pubmed: 19591910google scholar: lookup
  42. 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
  43. Christensen J.W., Zharkikh T., Chovaux E.. Object recognition and generalisation during habituation in horses.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2011;129:83–91.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.11.016google scholar: lookup
  44. Christensen J.W., Zharkikh T., Ladewig J.. Do horses generalise between objects during habituation?. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;114:509–520.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.03.007google scholar: lookup
  45. Hartmann E, Christensen JW, Keeling LJ. Training young horses to social separation: effect of a companion horse on training efficiency.. Equine Vet J 2011 Sep;43(5):580-4.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00326.xpubmed: 21496087google scholar: lookup
  46. Hartmann E., Søndergaard E., Keeling L.J.. Keeping horses in groups: A review.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2012;136:77–87.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.10.004google scholar: lookup
  47. Merkies K., McKechnie M.J., 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
  48. Smith AV, Wilson C, McComb K, Proops L. Domestic horses (Equus caballus) prefer to approach humans displaying a submissive body posture rather than a dominant body posture.. Anim Cogn 2018 Mar;21(2):307-312.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-017-1140-4pmc: PMC5818628pubmed: 29030725google scholar: lookup
  49. 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
  50. 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
  51. 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
  52. Chamove A.S., Crawley-Hartrick O.J., Stafford K.J.. Horse reactions to human attitudes and behavior.. Anthrozoös. 2002;15:323–331.
    doi: 10.2752/089279302786992423google scholar: lookup
  53. McGreevy P.D., Henshall C., Starling M.J., McLean A.N., Boakes R.A.. The importance of safety signals in animal handling and training.. J. Vet. Behav. Clin. Appl. Res. 2014;9:382–387.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2014.06.006google scholar: lookup
  54. Gácsi M, Topál J, Miklósi Á, Dóka A, Csányi V. Attachment behavior of adult dogs (Canis familiaris) living at rescue centers: forming new bonds.. J Comp Psychol 2001 Dec;115(4):423-431.
    doi: 10.1037/0735-7036.115.4.423pubmed: 11824906google scholar: lookup
  55. Kerepesi A, Dóka A, Miklósi Á. Dogs and their human companions: the effect of familiarity on dog-human interactions.. Behav Processes 2015 Jan;110:27-36.
    doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.02.005pubmed: 24548652google scholar: lookup
  56. Nagasawa M, Mogi K, Ohtsuki H, Kikusui T. Familiarity with humans affect dogs' tendencies to follow human majority groups.. Sci Rep 2020 Apr 28;10(1):7119.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64058-5pmc: PMC7188858pubmed: 32346129google scholar: lookup
  57. Horn L, Range F, Huber L. Dogs' attention towards humans depends on their relationship, not only on social familiarity.. Anim Cogn 2013 May;16(3):435-43.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-012-0584-9pmc: PMC4041126pubmed: 23224364google scholar: lookup
  58. McGreevy P.. Training the Opportunist and the Comfort-Seeker.. In: Davies J., editor. Finlay Lloyd; Braidwood, Australia: 2008.
  59. Hinde R.A.. Towards Understanding Relationships. Volume 18. Academic Press; Cambridge, MA, USA: 1979.
  60. Starling MJ, Branson N, Cody D, McGreevy PD. Conceptualising the Impact of Arousal and Affective State on Training Outcomes of Operant Conditioning.. Animals (Basel) 2013 Apr 11;3(2):300-17.
    doi: 10.3390/ani3020300pmc: PMC4494394pubmed: 26487403google scholar: lookup
  61. McLean A., Henshall C., Starling M., McGreevy P.. Arousal, attachment and affective state.. In: Heleski C., Wickens C., editors. Embracing Science to Enhance Equine Welfare and Horse-Human Interactions, Proceedings of 9th International Society for Equitation Science Conference, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA, USA. University of Delaware; Newark, DE, USA: 2013. p. 50.
  62. Hama H., Yogo M., Matsuyama Y.. Effects of stroking horses on both humans’ and horses’ heart rate responses 1.. Jpn. Psychol. Res. 1996;38:66–73.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1468-5884.1996.tb00009.xgoogle scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Liehrmann O, Cosnard C, Riihonen V, Viitanen A, Alander E, Jardat P, Koski SE, Lummaa V, Lansade L. What drives horse success at following human-given cues? An investigation of handler familiarity and living conditions. Anim Cogn 2023 Jul;26(4):1283-1294.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-023-01775-0pubmed: 37072511google scholar: lookup
  2. 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
  3. Corgan ME, Grandin T, Matlock S. Evaluating the Reaction to a Complex Rotated Object in the American Quarter Horse (Equus caballus). Animals (Basel) 2021 May 13;11(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11051383pubmed: 34068020google scholar: lookup
  4. O'Connell E, Dyson S, McLean A, McGreevy P. No More Evasion: Redefining Conflict Behaviour in Human-Horse Interactions. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 31;15(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15030399pubmed: 39943169google scholar: lookup
  5. Ryan EB, Weary DM, Zobel GM, Webster J, Higgins ET, Franks B. Expanding perspectives and understanding relational potential: Are mutually beneficial human-animal relationships compatible with current animal agricultural practices?. Anim Welf 2024;33:e63.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.62pubmed: 39777368google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,824 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.