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Animal cognition2022; 25(4); 711-716; doi: 10.1007/s10071-022-01638-0

Getting rid of blinkers: the case of mirror self-recognition in horses (Equus caballus).

Abstract: The commentary by Gallup and Anderson (Anim Cogn https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-021-01538-9 , 2021) on the original article by Baragli, Scopa, Maglieri, and Palagi (Anim Cogn https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-021-01502-7 , 2021) raised some concerns about the methodological approach used by the authors to demonstrate Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR) in horses. The commentary does not take into account horse physiology and psychology, leading Gallup and Anderson to inappropriately discredit the findings obtained by Baragli et al. Anim Cogn 2021. In this reply, we underlined the importance of a blinker-free approach to understand the evolutionary processes at the basis of animal cognition.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
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Publication Date: 2022-06-15 PubMed ID: 35704243PubMed Central: 8360890DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01638-0Google 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 commentary addresses criticisms of a study on mirror self-recognition in horses, defending the original authors’ methodology and emphasizing the need for understanding horse physiology and psychology when assessing cognitive abilities.

Plain Language Overview

In the original study, researchers Baragli, Scopa, Maglieri, and Palagi, conducted a study to assess if horses have Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR), a sign of higher cognitive processes. Gallup and Anderson criticized the methods used in this study, but Baragli et al. defend their approach and stress the need for a thorough understanding of animal-specific psychology and physiology in cognitive studies.

Comments on Methodology Criticism

  • The commentary by Gallup and Anderson questions the method used by Baragli and his team in their experiment on horses’ mirror self-recognition.
  • Gallup and Anderson’s criticism is centered on their belief that the methodology employed by Baragli et al. is flawed and does not provide a reliable means to demonstrate self-awareness in horses.
  • However, the core of the response of Baragli and colleagues insists that Gallup and Anderson’s critique does not adequately take into account horses’ unique physiology and psychology that needs to be considered in such studies.
  • Essentially, Baragli et al. counter-argue that their methodological approach was designed specifically considering the distinct way horses perceive and interact with the world, and discrediting their findings based on generic principles was inappropriate.

Emphasizing Understanding of Animal Cognition

  • In addition to defending their methodology, Baragli and team also stress the importance of a blinker-free approach to understand the evolutionary processes at the basis of animal cognition.
  • The term “blinker-free approach” metaphorically means an open-minded, broad view without preconceived notions or baseless biases.
  • Baragli et al. argue that understanding animal cognition requires scientists to shed blinkers, or get rid of narrow perspectives, as only a holistic understanding of each species’ specific characteristics can truly reveal their cognitive abilities.
  • This defense also implies that the study of cognitive abilities in animals should be tailored to the species in question, requiring a deep understanding of the animal’s particular physiological and psychological make-up.

Cite This Article

APA
(2022). Getting rid of blinkers: the case of mirror self-recognition in horses (Equus caballus). Anim Cogn, 25(4), 711-716. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-022-01638-0

Publication

Animal cognition
ISSN: 1435-9456
NlmUniqueID: 9814573
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 4
Pages: 711-716

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition
  • Horses

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Tomberg C, Petagna M, de Selliers de Moranville LA. Horses (Equus caballus) facial micro-expressions: insight into discreet social information. Sci Rep 2023 May 27;13(1):8625.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-35807-zpubmed: 37244937google scholar: lookup
  2. Galotti A, Romano M, Baragli P, Palagi E. Yawning in sync: implications for social cohesion in horses. Curr Zool 2025 Apr;71(2):137-151.
    doi: 10.1093/cz/zoae052pubmed: 40264711google scholar: lookup
  3. Callara AL, Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P, Greco A. Unveiling directional physiological coupling in human-horse interactions. iScience 2024 Sep 20;27(9):110857.
    doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110857pubmed: 39310749google scholar: lookup
  4. Tomberg C, Petagna M, de Selliers de Moranville LA. Spontaneous eye blinks in horses (Equus caballus) are modulated by attention. Sci Rep 2024 Aug 20;14(1):19336.
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