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Discover the surprising science behind equine emotions. Learn how deeply horses understand human feelings, the role of empathy, and what emotional intelligence means for riders and trainers.
By Sharlee Shumpert
Ever wondered if your horse can sense your emotions? What about if they possess complex emotions of their own, such as annoyance and empathy? Horses are known for being extremely emotional creatures, which makes them great companions for people. But this begs questions: why are horses so in tune with our feelings, just how far does their emotional intelligence go, and what does this mean for the humans who ride and train them? The answers might surprise you because, as always, we tend to underestimate our equine partners. Exploring the depths of their feelings allows us to better understand just how special our partnership with them is, and it challenges us to take our duty to our horses more seriously than ever before.
How much can horses feel?
Often, we give horses credit for basic emotions like happiness and fear, but we assume these feelings are shallow and cannot lead to more nuanced ones. While we may not know exactly how complicated a horse's feelings can become yet, we do know that they are incredibly adept at "reading" emotional cues. According to the article "Healing With Horses: The Science Behind Their Emotional Intelligence" from Inspiration Stables, horses can "recognize and remember human facial expressions, discern when vocal tone does not match facial expressions… [and] adapt their behavior based on human emotions, even when interacting with strangers." One of the prime reasons horses are able to "read" humans so well is because they have highly developed mirror neurons; these neurons play key roles in the forming of social and emotional skills. Their name comes from the fact that they fire when a creature sees another creature doing something; this helps them learn to "mirror" the action. There is also scientific evidence suggesting horses experience more specific emotions; a study done by a research team from the University of Lincoln discovered that horses may form different facial expressions for frustration versus disappointment. Thus, even though we do not know precisely how much horses are capable of feeling, evidence indicates they have very high emotional intelligence and perception. Of course, those who have been around horses could testify to this in a heartbeat.
Why do horses feel so deeply?
Horses are so sensitive to emotions not because they are humanity's support animals, but because they are prey animals. Their increased awareness is a survival tool, allowing them to evade predators. For horses living in herds, quick communication is vital for effective escapes. They use signals such as widened eyes, pricked ears, and snorting to indicate that they have sensed danger, and their nearby companions are able to both see and feel their fear, which then spreads throughout the herd. Sensing emotions is a crucial part of staying alive for horses. This does mean they make good domesticated partners for people, but horses are still creatures of flight. It is dangerous to assume that they will always respond calmly to a human's distress; they may see it as a threat instead.
Can horses experience empathy?
This is a tricky one. Although people who have a close relationship with a horse would tell you that a horse can absolutely display empathy, science is less decided on the matter. The academic article "Enhanced Understanding of Horse-Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare" from the National Library of Medicine reports: "While horses may recognize different emotional states in humans, there is a gap in knowledge whether the horse is capable of empathizing or deliberately acting to alleviate specific human emotions." The jury is still out in scientific circles, though many horse owners would argue otherwise. Ultimately, this is a question that must be investigated further for a solid answer to be reached.
What does this mean for us?
Horses may possess extreme emotional intelligence, but what does this mean for those riding, training, and loving them? It means that horses deserve not only the respect that comes with life, but also the respect that comes with developed sentience. In fact, one study conducted by the University of Portsmouth and the equid charity Brooke found that owners who believe that their horses are sentient have healthier horses. When it comes to riding and training these special animals, granting them patience and gentleness will go a long way in forming a tight horse-rider relationship. Discipline (while still necessary to keep the horse from injuring itself or another creature, much like a small child) is more effective when applied with calm firmness rather than unpredictable harshness. Since they are so emotionally perceptive, it stands to reason that horses remember those who treat them well and those who do not. Bad experiences stick with them. The humans who take care of them have a responsibility, then, to acknowledge and be mindful of their horses' emotional range and needs. Not doing so will almost certainly result in a soured relationship and poorly affect equine health.
Horses are a precious gift to humanity, and they must be handled accordingly. Witty, quirky, and responsive, horses bond easily with humans—but that bond should never be taken for granted. As previously said, horses are much more than our emotional support; they are awe-inspiring creatures fully equipped to live their lives separate from people, so when we do have the opportunity to exist alongside them, we must make sure we are doing our best to honor the partnership we have entered into with another living being.As previously said, horses are much more than our emotional support; they are awe-inspiring creatures fully equipped to live their lives separate from people, so when we do have the opportunity to exist alongside them, we must make sure we are doing our best to honor the partnership we have entered into with another living being. This means we have an obligation to keep striving to understand our horses and their feelings. Doing so will create a more beautiful relationship for horse and human alike and do justice to the ancient tie between us.
FAQs About Horse Emotional Intelligence
1. Can horses really sense human emotions? Yes. Studies show that horses can read human facial expressions, tone of voice, and even body language. They adapt their behavior based on the emotions they perceive, making them incredibly intuitive partners.
2. Do horses have empathy like humans? While research is still developing, many horse owners report that their horses show signs of empathy—responding to sadness, stress, or calmness in their human partners. Science continues to explore this fascinating connection.
3. Why are horses so emotionally perceptive? As prey animals, horses evolved to detect subtle emotional cues for survival. Their ability to read emotions helps them communicate danger and maintain harmony within their herd—and with humans.
4. How can understanding horse emotions improve training? Recognizing your horse's emotional intelligence can transform your training approach. Horses respond best to calm, consistent, and compassionate handling rather than punishment or frustration.
5. How can I strengthen my emotional bond with my horse? Spend mindful time together—grooming, groundwork, or simply being present. Speak softly, stay patient, and respect their feelings. Trust grows when your horse feels emotionally safe with you.
