Detecting Human Emotions in Horses: The Role of Smell

Introduction: The ability of horses to detect human emotions is a fascinating area of research, exploring the multiple senses used by these animals in their interaction with humans. While previous studies have extensively examined the use of sight and hearing in this detection, the importance of smell remains relatively understudied. This study proposes an innovative protocol to evaluate the impact of smell on horses' perception of human emotions.

Method: The study involved 21 horses housed in their usual individual stalls. Human body odor samples, previously collected and classified as "joy," "fear," and "control," were presented to the horses via cotton patches. The horses' reactions were observed and recorded during exposure sessions to these odors, with particular attention paid to behaviors such as head position, ear orientation, gaze, and interactions with the present people.

Results: The results revealed significant differences in the horses' reactions depending on the odors presented. Notably, the horses kept their heads high significantly more frequently and for longer durations in the presence of fear odors and in the control sessions. Additionally, the ears were oriented backward significantly longer in the control sessions compared to the fear sessions. The horses also showed a tendency to seek contact with the familiar person during the fear sessions.

Discussion: These results suggest that odors induce distinct behavioral responses in horses, highlighting the potential importance of smell in interspecific communication, particularly between humans and horses. They also highlight individual nuances in the horses' behavioral responses, underscoring the complexity of this interaction.

Study Limitations: Limitations were identified, including the constraint of test order and the possibility of potential biases. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of smell on horses' detection of human emotions, taking these limitations into account.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the role of smell in horses' perception of human emotions. It emphasizes the importance of considering all senses in the analysis of interspecific communication and paves the way for future research to deepen our understanding of this complex interaction. Additionally, it underscores the importance for humans to develop their ability to understand the emotional signals expressed by horses, to improve their management and use.

Source: Sabiniewicz A, Tarnowska K, ´Swi˛atek 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), Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105072

Remarks: The information available on this page from external sources cannot guarantee that it is free from errors, nor guarantee its completeness, timeliness, exhaustiveness, or otherwise. As a result, it is the responsibility of the user to use the information on the website at their own risk and to conduct any verification under their exclusive responsibility. The Horse Remedy website cannot be held responsible for the interpretation made by users, whatever it may be, of all the information, data, and advice offered on its blog, and the consequences that may result from it. We provide information solely to promote and improve the natural health of your animal. In Belgium, the law stipulates that it is exclusively up to a veterinarian to make a medical diagnosis and prescribe a medical treatment.