How to Understand Them? A Review of Emotional Indicators in Horses.

The research article reviews various physiological, behavioral, and cognitive measures used to assess emotional states in horses, with an emphasis on those housed in stables. It also suggests ways that such assessments could improve the lives of these animals.

Emotions and Horses: A Historical and Scientific Perspective

• The paper begins by presenting a history of the study of emotions in animals, particularly horses. It gives an overview of various scientific models used to explain emotions, their physiological bases, as well as their functions.
• This study makes a case for the importance of understanding emotions in stabled horses as they often face negative emotions due to inadequate living conditions.

Assessing Emotions in Horses: Physiological and Behavioral Indicators

• The researchers review physiological and behavioral indicators used to gauge emotions in horses. These include hormone levels and body temperature, both of which can fluctuate based on the emotional state of the horse.
• Behavioral attributes such as the position of the ears, facial expressions, and behaviors like approach-avoidance are also discussed as indicators of a horse’s emotional state.
• The paper stresses how understanding these indicators can provide valuable insights into the emotional wellbeing of stabled horses.

Cognitive Bias Tests: A New Tool for Assessing Horse Emotions

• The authors introduce the concept of the ‘cognitive bias paradigm’ – a recent development in the field that is considered a robust tool for assessing emotions in horses.
• This tool works by revealing the outlook of horses in different situations – if they respond to unknown situations with anticipation or dread, for example.

Improving the Lives of Horses: Practical Implications

• The article suggests that understanding the intensity and frequency of a horse’s emotions could help owners and carers to identify practices that should be encouraged, avoided, or even ceased completely, for the creature’s well-being.
• The researchers stress the importance of developing and validating new indicators of emotions in both positive and negative contexts to facilitate improving the quality of life for these horses.