The Emotions of Horses

schedule

03/01/2025

The topic of the emotions of horses is highly debated. At the extreme ends, there are two schools of thought: one views horses as “tools,” while the other tends to humanize them. As always, extremes involve excesses, but in between there are many nuances, and these should be studied and understood to better comprehend our four-legged friends.

So, the question we ask ourselves is: Do horses experience emotions? The answer is yes; we firmly believe so, and in fact, there are numerous studies supporting this view. While there is compelling evidence that primates experience even complex emotions, research on horses—herbivorous prey animals lacking a prefrontal cortex—is not yet as extensive. However, current studies lead us to assume a decidedly positive response.

In fact, we might even go so far as to say that horses are among the most empathetic animals, meaning they not only experience emotions for themselves but also are capable of sensing what we feel. They do this in their own way, just as we do, as various studies demonstrate.

What Are Emotions?

Emotions are observable states that influence behavior. We can observe emotions in horses by looking at their faces. The eyes—more or less open—ear movements, which reveal so much about them and help them understand the world around them, as well as nostril and whisker movements. Additionally, vocalizations and postures are significant. In short, if we observe a horse’s body carefully, it can tell us exactly what our friend is feeling.

There is also an olfactory world that helps animals decode their environment, yet it is inaccessible to us. Emotions, in fact, can be “smelled” through the pheromones that all living beings, horses included, release. The emotions that our horses express in such a clear manner are closely tied to their behaviors, though more subtly than instinct. The latter is essentially a reflex, a motor pattern that leads the horse to act according to its genetic makeup in a specific situation. Emotions, on the other hand, leave room for a wide range of behaviors; they are deeper feelings, less tied to reflexive responses.

Fear, for instance, in horses—as in humans—can manifest in various ways. A frightened horse faces different behavioral choices: it may flee, or, conversely, freeze; it might “flirt” with what it fears, trying to “laugh it off,” as we humans might say, or it might even confront what it fears head-on.

Fear: A Very Equine Emotion

As prey animals, horses are particularly prone to fear. This emotion is the first to trigger their brain due to their survival instinct. However, we must ask: Is fear an instinct or an emotion? Horses express fear externally through postures, facial expressions, and pheromone release, and it drives their actions, resulting in a range of reactions.

We can definitively say that it is indeed an emotion. Remember, fear is an essential trait in our genetic makeup, allowing us to remain alert and avoid potential dangers. If it’s so important for us, just imagine how critical it is for animals whose nature is to be preyed upon.

Anxiety: A Familiar Emotion

Closely linked to fear, yet another emotion that is always present and ready to surface is anxiety. Anxiety arises when we fear something that has not yet occurred. The amygdala is responsible for anxiety, and several scientific studies show that both humans and horses who are more prone to anxiety have larger amygdalae.

Thus, in horses, as in humans, we can observe varying intensities of this emotion, influenced by genetic, physical, environmental, and experiential factors. Some horses, particularly those with negative past experiences (e.g., from training or relationships with humans), might react dramatically to a sudden sound or even their own shadow, taking a long time to regain calm. Other horses, however, may not react at all. Anxiety also has a “face,” characterized by wide-open eyes, pointed ears sharp as blades, tense muscles, and jerky movements. A horse exhibiting these signs is in a state of anxiety, and recognizing this allows us to help them.

How to Reduce Anxiety and Fear

There are several techniques that can help alleviate anxiety and fear—emotions that are deeply interconnected—both in horses and in us. The first step is to remain calm. If we stay relaxed, we can transmit that calmness to the horse. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth regularly, pet the horse, and try to walk it around.

If it senses that we are not afraid, it will allow us to guide it, and having a clear leader helps the horse feel more at ease. To prevent the horse from becoming anxious or, worse, fearing us, consistency is key. Our horses need to recognize us as leaders, and the primary characteristic of a leader is consistency. We must establish rules and stick to them. What is acceptable should always remain so, and the same for what is not. For instance, if we allow the horse to rummage through our pocket for a treat, we should do so every time, not just when we’re in a good mood.

Lack of consistency breeds confusion, which is one of the best friends of anxiety. Another helpful tactic for helping our horses manage anxiety and fear is predictability. Establish a routine that accompanies our presence, ensuring that the horse expects consistency in our actions. This helps the horse maintain control, which, unlike inconsistency, is a powerful ally in combating anxiety.

Understanding and Interpreting the Emotions of Our Horses

Learning to recognize and interpret the emotions of our horses enables us to understand their language and connect with them on a deeper level, leading to more ethical, conscious, and potentially more effective riding. Knowledge is the foundation of understanding, and understanding enhances our equestrian skills, which, as we know, are not merely mechanical.

When approaching a horse, we should ask ourselves three key questions to determine if what it is experiencing is an emotion—and, if so, to interpret and accept it: