FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / The Effect of Human-Horse Interactions on Equine Behaviour, ...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(10); 2782; doi: 10.3390/ani11102782

The Effect of Human-Horse Interactions on Equine Behaviour, Physiology, and Welfare: A Scoping Review.

Abstract: Human-horse interactions (HHIs) are diverse and prominent in the equine industry. Stakeholders have an invested interest in making sure that HHIs are humane. Assessment of equine welfare goes beyond physical health and includes assessment of the emotional state of the animal. HHIs can have a permanent effect on human-horse relationships, thereby influencing welfare. Therefore, an understanding of the horse's affective state during HHIs is necessary. A scoping review was conducted to: (1) map current practices related to the measurement of HHIs; (2) explore the known effects of HHIs on horse behaviour and physiology; and (3) clarify the connection between HHIs and equine welfare. A total of 45 articles were included in this review. Studies that used both physiological and behavioural measures of equine response to human interactions accounted for 42% of the included studies. A further 31% exclusively used physiological measures and 27% used behavioural observation. Current evidence of equine welfare during HHIs is minimal and largely based on the absence of a negative affective state during imposed interactions. Broadening the scope of methods to evaluate a positive affective state and standardization of methodology to assess these states would improve the overall understanding of the horse's welfare during HHIs.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-09-24 PubMed ID: 34679804PubMed Central: PMC8532845DOI: 10.3390/ani11102782Google 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 research article investigates the impact of human-horse interactions on horse behaviour, physiology and overall wellbeing, and presents a comprehensive review of current practices in this area.

Introduction

  • The article addresses the need for an improved understanding of human-horse interactions (HHIs)—a crucial aspect in the equine industry. The study emphasis that assessing equine welfare should encompass not just physical health, but also the emotional state of the animals as human interactions can significantly influence their welfare.

Objectives and Methodology

  • The study has three main objectives: To map out current practices in measuring HHIs, to examine the known effects of HHIs on horse behaviour and physiology, and to uncover the relation between HHIs and equine welfare.
  • For this purpose, the researchers conducted a scoping review and identified the inclusion of 45 articles critical to this study.

Findings and Analysis

  • It was found that 42% of the studies used both physiological and behavioural measures to understand equine response to human interactions. This was closely followed by 31% of the studies that used physiological measures exclusively and 27% that relied on behavioural observation.
  • The analysis led to the understanding that current evidence regarding equine welfare during HHIs is minimal and largely inferred from the absence of negative emotional states during imposed interactions.

Implications and Recommendations

  • The paper underscores the need for a more comprehensive means of assessing equine welfare during HHIs, moving beyond the absence of negative states and focusing more on signs of a positive emotional state in horses.
  • The authors suggest that a greater standardization in methodology would contribute to better understanding equine welfare during HHIs, thereby enhancing the welfare and treatment of horses in relation to human interaction.

Cite This Article

APA
Kelly KJ, McD￮ LA, Mears K. (2021). The Effect of Human-Horse Interactions on Equine Behaviour, Physiology, and Welfare: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel), 11(10), 2782. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102782

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 10
PII: 2782

Researcher Affiliations

Kelly, Katherine Jennifer
  • Interdisciplinary Studies, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, NB E2K 5E2, Canada.
McD￮, Laurie Anne
  • Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.
Mears, Kimberly
  • Data and Research Services, Robertson Library, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 91 references
  1. van Weeran R. Horses and humans: A special bond throughout the ages.. ARGOS 2017;57:205–211.
  2. 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
  3. Hawson L, McLean A, McGreevy P. The roles of equine ethology and applied learning theory in horse-related human injuries.. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:324–338.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.06.001google scholar: lookup
  4. Thompson K, McGreevy P, McManus P. A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures.. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):561-75.
    doi: 10.3390/ani5030372pmc: PMC4598694pubmed: 26479374google scholar: lookup
  5. 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
  6. Hall C, Randle H, Pearson G, Preshaw L, Waran N. Assessing Equine Emotional State.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2018;205:183–193.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.03.006google scholar: lookup
  7. Estep D, Hetts S. Interactions, relationships, and bonds: The conceptual basis forscientist-animal relations.. In: Davis H., Balfour D., editors. The Inevitable Bond: Examining Scientist-Animal Interactions. Cambridge University Press; Cambridge, CA, USA: 1992. pp. 6–26.
  8. Butler D, Valenchon M, Annan R, Whay HR, Mullan S. Living the 'Best Life' or 'One Size Fits All'-Stakeholder Perceptions of Racehorse Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Mar 31;9(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9040134pmc: PMC6523604pubmed: 30935137google scholar: lookup
  9. McDaniel Peters BC, Wood W. Autism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping Review.. J Autism Dev Disord 2017 Oct;47(10):3220-3242.
    doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3219-9pubmed: 28733851google scholar: lookup
  10. Boss L, Branson S, Hagan H, Krause-Parello C. A Systematic Review of Equine-Assisted Interventions in Military Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD.. J. Veteran Stud. 2019;5:23.
    doi: 10.21061/jvs.v5i1.134google scholar: lookup
  11. Kendall E, Maujean A, Pepping C.A, Downes M, Lakhani A, Byrne J, Macfarlane K. A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes.. Eur. J. Psychother. Couns. 2014;17:57–79.
    doi: 10.1080/13642537.2014.996169google scholar: lookup
  12. Frewin K, Gardiner B. New age of old sage? A review of equine assisted psychotherapy.. Aust. J. Couns. Psychol. 2005;6:13–17.
  13. Hoagwood KE, Acri M, Morrissey M, Peth-Pierce R. Animal-Assisted Therapies for Youth with or at risk for Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review.. Appl Dev Sci 2017;21(1):1-13.
    doi: 10.1080/10888691.2015.1134267pmc: PMC5546745pubmed: 28798541google scholar: lookup
  14. O'Haire ME, Guérin NA, Kirkham AC. Animal-Assisted Intervention for trauma: a systematic literature review.. Front Psychol 2015;6:1121.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01121pmc: PMC4528099pubmed: 26300817google scholar: lookup
  15. van Houtert EAE, Endenburg N, Wijnker JJ, Rodenburg B, Vermetten E. The study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a scoping literature review.. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2018;9(Suppl 3):1503523.
    doi: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1503523pmc: PMC6866726pubmed: 31798814google scholar: lookup
  16. Mellor DJ. Operational Details of the Five Domains Model and Its Key Applications to the Assessment and Management of Animal Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2017 Aug 9;7(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani7080060pmc: PMC5575572pubmed: 28792485google scholar: lookup
  17. Merkies K, Franzin O. Enhanced Understanding of Horse-Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 9;11(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11051347pmc: PMC8151687pubmed: 34065156google scholar: lookup
  18. Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Greco A, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Emotional Transfer in Human-Horse Interaction: New Perspectives on Equine Assisted Interventions.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Nov 26;9(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9121030pmc: PMC6941042pubmed: 31779120google scholar: lookup
  19. Clayton M. What is entrainment? Definition and applications in musical research.. Empir. Musicol. Rev. 2012;7:49–56.
    doi: 10.18061/1811/52979google scholar: lookup
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Clough H, Burford J, Roshier A, England G, Freeman S.L. A scoping review of the current literature exploring the nature of the horse-human relationship.. Vet. Evid. 2019;4.
    doi: 10.18849/VE.V4I4.240google scholar: lookup
  23. Olczak K, Nowicki J, Klocek C. Motivation, stress and learning-critical characteristics that influence the horses’ value and training method-A review.. Ann. Anim. Sci. 2016;16:641–652.
    doi: 10.1515/aoas-2015-0093google scholar: lookup
  24. Colquhoun HL, Levac D, O'Brien KK, Straus S, Tricco AC, Perrier L, Kastner M, Moher D. Scoping reviews: time for clarity in definition, methods, and reporting.. J Clin Epidemiol 2014 Dec;67(12):1291-4.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.03.013pubmed: 25034198google scholar: lookup
  25. Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, Moher D, Peters MDJ, Horsley T, Weeks L, Hempel S, Akl EA, Chang C, McGowan J, Stewart L, Hartling L, Aldcroft A, Wilson MG, Garritty C, Lewin S, Godfrey CM, Macdonald MT, Langlois EV, Soares-Weiser K, Moriarty J, Clifford T, Tunçalp Ö, Straus SE. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation.. Ann Intern Med 2018 Oct 2;169(7):467-473.
    doi: 10.7326/M18-0850pubmed: 30178033google scholar: lookup
  26. Peters M.D.J, Godfrey C.M, McInterney P, Soares C, Khalil H, Parker D. Scoping reviews.. In: Aromataris E., Munn Z., editors. Institute Reviewers Manual. The Joanna Briggs Institute; Adelaide, Australia: 2017. [(accessed on 12 August 2021)]. Available online: https://jbi-global-wiki.refined.site/.
  27. Khalil H, Peters M, Godfrey CM, McInerney P, Soares CB, Parker D. An Evidence-Based Approach to Scoping Reviews.. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs 2016 Apr;13(2):118-23.
    doi: 10.1111/wvn.12144pubmed: 26821833google scholar: lookup
  28. Arksey H, O’Malley L. Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework.. Int. J. Soc. Res. Methodol. 2005;8:19–32.
    doi: 10.1080/1364557032000119616google scholar: lookup
  29. Joanna Briggs Institute. Supporting Document for the Joanna Briggs Institute Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendation.. 2014. [(accessed on 12 August 2021)]. Available online: https://joannabriggs.org/sites/default/files/2019–05/JBI%20Levels%20of%20Evidence%20Supporting%20Documents-v2.pdf.
  30. Ouzzani M, Hammady H, Fedorowicz Z, Elmagarmid A. Rayyan-a web and mobile app for systematic reviews.. Syst Rev 2016 Dec 5;5(1):210.
    doi: 10.1186/s13643-016-0384-4pmc: PMC5139140pubmed: 27919275google scholar: lookup
  31. Rodriguez K, Guérin N, Gabriels R, Serpell J.A, Schreiner P.J, O’Haire M.E. The State of Assessment in Human-Animal Interaction Research.. Hum. Anim. Interact. Bull. 2018;6:63–81.
  32. Hawson LA. Compliance, cooperation, conditioning and cognition: four Cs in the assessment of the horse-rider dyad.. Vet J 2012 Apr;192(1):4-5.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.08.023pubmed: 21924929google scholar: lookup
  33. Roser M. Human Development Index (HDI) 2014.. [(accessed on 12 August 2021)]. Available online: https://ourworldindata.org/human-development-index.
  34. McHugh ML. Interrater reliability: the kappa statistic.. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2012;22(3):276-82.
    doi: 10.11613/BM.2012.031pmc: PMC3900052pubmed: 23092060google scholar: lookup
  35. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology.. Qual. Res. Psychol. 2006;3:77–101.
    doi: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oagoogle scholar: lookup
  36. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement.. PLoS Med 2009 Jul 21;6(7):e1000097.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097pmc: PMC2707599pubmed: 19621072google scholar: lookup
  37. Pluta M, Osinski Z. Variability of heart rate in primitive horses and their relatives as an indicator of stress level, behavioural conduct towards humans and adaptation to living in wild.. Bull. Vet. Inst. Pulawy. 2014;58:495–501.
    doi: 10.2478/bvip-2014-0075google scholar: lookup
  38. Blokhuis MZ, Aronsson A, Hartmann E, Van Reenen CG, Keeling L. Assessing the rider's seat and horse's behavior: difficulties and perspectives.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2008;11(3):191-203.
    doi: 10.1080/10888700802100876pubmed: 18569215google scholar: lookup
  39. Mendonça T, Bienboire-Frosini C, Menuge F, Leclercq J, Lafont-Lecuelle C, Arroub S, Pageat P. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on Equine Behavioral and Physiological Responses.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Jul 1;9(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9070409pmc: PMC6681086pubmed: 31266217google scholar: lookup
  40. Merkies K, Sievers A, Zakrajsek E, MacGregor H, Bergeron R, König von Borstel U. 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
  41. Ono A, Matsuura A, Yamazaki Y, Sakai W, Watanabe K, Nakanowatari T, Kobayashi H, Irimajiri M, Hodate K. Influence of riders' skill on plasma cortisol levels of horses walking on forest and field trekking courses.. Anim Sci J 2017 Oct;88(10):1629-1635.
    doi: 10.1111/asj.12801pubmed: 28402026google scholar: lookup
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. Arrazola A, Merkies K. Effect of Human Attachment Style on Horse Behaviour and Physiology during Equine-Assisted Activities-A Pilot Study.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jul 8;10(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10071156pmc: PMC7401529pubmed: 32650381google scholar: lookup
  45. Hockenhull J, Young T.J, Redgate S.E, Birke L. Exploring synchronicity in the heart rates of familiar and unfamiliar pairs of horses and humans undertaking an in-hand task.. Anthrozoos. 2015;28:501–511.
    doi: 10.1080/08927936.2015.1052284google scholar: lookup
  46. 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
  47. Janczarek I, Stachurska A, Wilk I, Krakowski L, Przetacznik M, Zastrzeżyńska M, Kuna-Broniowska I. Emotional excitability and behaviour of horses in response to stroking various regions of the body.. Anim Sci J 2018 Nov;89(11):1599-1608.
    doi: 10.1111/asj.13104pubmed: 30155991google scholar: lookup
  48. König von Borstel U, Euent S, Graf P, König S, Gauly M. Equine behaviour and heart rate in temperament tests with or without rider or handler.. Physiol Behav 2011 Sep 1;104(3):454-63.
    doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.05.010pubmed: 21616087google scholar: lookup
  49. Kozak A, Zieba G, Tietza M, Rozempolska-Rucińska I. Consistency of emotional reactivity assessment results obtained in different behavioural tests.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2018;205:54–60.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.05.013google scholar: lookup
  50. 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;113:492–508.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.012google scholar: lookup
  51. Malinowski K, Yee C, Tevlin JM, Birks EK, Durando MM, Pournajafi-Nazarloo H, Cavaiola AA, McKeever KH. The Effects of Equine Assisted Therapy on Plasma Cortisol and Oxytocin Concentrations and Heart Rate Variability in Horses and Measures of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans.. J Equine Vet Sci 2018 May;64:17-26.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.01.011pubmed: 30973147google scholar: lookup
  52. Mendonça T, Bienboire-Frosini C, Kowalczyk I, Leclercq J, Arroub S, Pageat P. Equine Activities Influence Horses' Responses to Different Stimuli: Could This Have an Impact on Equine Welfare?. Animals (Basel) 2019 May 29;9(6).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9060290pmc: PMC6616897pubmed: 31146422google scholar: lookup
  53. Munsters CC, Visser KE, van den Broek J, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM. The influence of challenging objects and horse-rider matching on heart rate, heart rate variability and behavioural score in riding horses.. Vet J 2012 Apr;192(1):75-80.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.04.011pubmed: 21612959google scholar: lookup
  54. Pluta M, Kedzierski W. Emotional responses of horses to patients requiring therapy.. Anim. Soc. 2018;26:426–436.
    doi: 10.1163/15685306-12341559google scholar: lookup
  55. 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
  56. Sondergaard E, Jago J. The effect of early handling of foals on their reaction to handling, humans and novelty, and the foal–mare relationship.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2010;123:93–100.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.01.006google scholar: lookup
  57. Squibb K, Griffin K, Favier R, Ijichi C. Poker Face: Discrepancies in behaviour and affective states in horses during stressful handling procedures.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2018;202:34–38.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.02.003google scholar: lookup
  58. Visser EK, van Reenen CG, van der Werf JT, Schilder MB, Knaap JH, Barneveld A, Blokhuis HJ. Heart rate and heart rate variability during a novel object test and a handling test in young horses.. Physiol Behav 2002 Jun 1;76(2):289-96.
    doi: 10.1016/S0031-9384(02)00698-4pubmed: 12044602google scholar: lookup
  59. Scopa C, Greco A, Contalbrigo L, Fratini E, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Inside the Interaction: Contact With Familiar Humans Modulates Heart Rate Variability in Horses.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:582759.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.582759pmc: PMC7734029pubmed: 33330706google scholar: lookup
  60. Hartmann E, Rehn T, Christensen JW, Nielsen PP, McGreevy P. 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) 2021 Feb 9;11(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11020457pmc: PMC7916092pubmed: 33572351google scholar: lookup
  61. Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, De Santis M, Collacchi B, Tuozzi A, Toson M, Redaelli V, Odore R, Vercelli C, Stefani A, Luzi F, Valle E, Cirulli F. Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioural and Physiological Indices of Stress in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) during Riding Sessions.. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 27;11(6).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11061562pmc: PMC8227027pubmed: 34071859google scholar: lookup
  62. Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworski Z, Suwala M, Boron 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
  63. Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworski Z, Suwala M, Sobczyńska M, Jastrzębska E, Ogłuszka M, Sankey C, Boroń M, Jezierski T. Aversiveness of husbandry procedures for pre-weaned foals: A comparison using behavioural and physiological indices.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2017;191:31–38.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.007google scholar: lookup
  64. 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
  65. Fazio E, Medica P, Cravana C, Ferlazzo A. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses of horses to therapeutic riding program: effects of different riders.. Physiol Behav 2013 Jun 13;118:138-43.
    doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.05.009pubmed: 23684906google scholar: lookup
  66. Nuchprayoon N, Arya N, Ritruechai P. Stress cortisol and muscle stiffness in horses used for equine-assisted therapy.. J. Appl. Anim. Sci. 2017;10:35–46.
  67. Yorke J, Nugent W, Strand E, Bolen R, New J, Davis C. Equine-assisted therapy and its impact on cortisol levels of children and horses: A pilot study and meta-analysis.. Early Child Dev. Care. 2013;18397:874–894.
    doi: 10.1080/03004430.2012.693486google scholar: lookup
  68. Munsters C, van den Broek J, van Weeren R, van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M.M.S. The effects of transport, riot control training and night patrols on the workload and stress of mounted police horses.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2013;143:52–60.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.10.019google scholar: lookup
  69. Costa E.D, Dai F, Murray L.A.M, Guazzetti S, Canali E, Minero M. A study on validity and reliability of on-farm tests to measure human–animal relationship in horses and donkeys.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2015;163:110–121.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.12.007google scholar: lookup
  70. Diugan E.-A, Spinu M, Popescu S. Human-animal relationship assessment in horses (Equus caballus) with different uses.. Bull. UASVM Vet. Med. 2014;71:441–444.
    doi: 10.15835/buasvmcn-vm:10718google scholar: lookup
  71. 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
  72. Goldhawk C, Grandin T, Pajor E. Effect of animal’s experience and rodeo procedures on behaviour of bucking horses at a large commercial rodeo in Canada.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2020;234.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105199google scholar: lookup
  73. 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.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105075google scholar: lookup
  74. Ligout S, Bouissou M.F, Boivin X. Comparison of the effects of two different handling methods on the subsequent behaviour of Anglo-Arabian foals toward humans and handling.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;113:175–188.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.12.004google scholar: lookup
  75. Lundberg P, Hartmann E, Roth L.S.V. 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.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105144google scholar: lookup
  76. Minero M, Dalla C.E, Dai F, Canali E, Barbieri S, Zanella A, Pascuzzo R, Wemelsfelder F. Using qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA) to explore the emotional state of horses and its association with human-animal relationship.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2018;204:53–59.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.04.008google scholar: lookup
  77. Popescu S, Borda C, Oros D, Sandru D.C, Spinu M, Giupina R, Diugan E. Human-animal relationship: A comparative study in working and breeding horses.. Bull. UASVM Vet. Med. 2016;73:301–306.
    doi: 10.15835/buasvmcn-vm:12172google scholar: lookup
  78. Stomp M, Masson A, Henry S, Hausberger M, Lesimple C. Could snorts inform us on how horses perceive riding?. Behav Processes 2020 Mar;172:104041.
    doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104041pubmed: 31923434google scholar: lookup
  79. Birke L, Hockenhull J. Journeys together: Horses and humans in partnership.. Soc. Anim. 2015;23:81–100.
    doi: 10.1163/15685306-12341361google scholar: lookup
  80. Minero M, Vittoria T.M, Canli E, Wemelsfelder F. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of the response of foals to the presence of an unfamiliar human.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2009;116:74–81.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.07.001google scholar: lookup
  81. Ringhofer M, Yamamoto S. Domestic horses send signals to humans when they face with an unsolvable task.. Anim Cogn 2017 May;20(3):397-405.
    doi: 10.1007/s10071-016-1056-4pubmed: 27885519google scholar: lookup
  82. Górecka A, Bakuniak M, Chruszczewski M.H, Jezierski T. A note on the habituation to novelty in horses: Handler effect.. Anim. Sci. Pap. Rep. 2007;25:143–152.
  83. Hosey G, Melfi V. Human-animal interactions, relationships and bonds: A review and analysis of literature.. Int. J. Comp. Psychol. 2014;27:117–142.
    doi: 10.46867/ijcp.2014.27.01.01google scholar: lookup
  84. Herzog H.A. Gender Differences in Human–Animal Interactions: A Review.. Anthrozoos. 2015;1:7–21.
    doi: 10.2752/089279307780216687google scholar: lookup
  85. 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
  86. Pearson G, Waran N, Reardon R.J.M, Keen J, Dwyer C.M. A Delphi study to determine expert consensus on the behavioural indicators of stress in horses undergoing veterinary care.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2021;237.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105291google scholar: lookup
  87. Lee G, Yoon M. Association of plasma concentrations of oxytocin, vasopressin, and serotonin with docility and friendliness of horses.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021 Jan;74:106482.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106482pubmed: 32615507google scholar: lookup
  88. Mendl M, Burman O.H.P, Parker R, Paul E.S. Cognitive bias as an indicator of animal emotion and welfare: Emerging evidence and underlying mechanisms.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2009;118:161–181.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2009.02.023google scholar: lookup
  89. Budzynski M. Stress reactivity and coping in horse adaptation to environment.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2014;34:935–941.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.05.010google scholar: lookup
  90. Contreras-Aguilar MD, Henry S, Coste C, Tecles F, Escribano D, Cerón JJ, Hausberger M. Changes in Saliva Analytes Correlate with Horses' Behavioural Reactions to An Acute Stressor: A Pilot Study.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Nov 18;9(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9110993pmc: PMC6912570pubmed: 31752194google scholar: lookup
  91. Bidda J, McGreevy P.D. Ethical equitation: Applying a cost-benefit approach.. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:192–202.

Citations

This article has been cited 10 times.
  1. Marchand WR. Potential Mechanisms of Action and Outcomes of Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans with a History of Trauma: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023 Jul 16;20(14).
    doi: 10.3390/ijerph20146377pubmed: 37510609google scholar: lookup
  2. Wolframm IA, Douglas J, Pearson G. Changing Hearts and Minds in the Equestrian World One Behaviour at a Time. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 19;13(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13040748pubmed: 36830535google scholar: lookup
  3. De Santis M, Seganfreddo S, Greco A, Normando S, Benedetti D, Mutinelli F, Contalbrigo L. Donkey Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 25;13(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13030408pubmed: 36766295google scholar: lookup
  4. Budzyńska M, Kapustka J, Podobińska M. Alpacas' behavior during physical examination, and its relationships with health indicators and alpaca caretaker's questionnaire survey. BMC Vet Res 2026 Jan 30;22(1).
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-026-05324-ypubmed: 41618336google scholar: lookup
  5. Knox AL, Fenner K, Zsoldos RR, Wilson B, McGreevy P. Owner-Observed Behavioral Characteristics in Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTTBs) in Equestrian Second Careers. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 11;15(14).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15142046pubmed: 40723508google scholar: lookup
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Torell Palmquist G, Känsälä Alveheim N, Huot-Marchand F, Ashton L, Lewis V. The Role of European Equestrian Institutions in Training Professionals: Outcomes from a Workshop on Horse Welfare in Equestrian Education. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 11;15(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15020183pubmed: 39858183google scholar: lookup
  9. 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
  10. 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
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.