SEPTEMBER 2020 THE RIDER /29 Horse human interaction studies Horse human interaction studies were


discussed in a talk presented by Dr. Katrina Merkies, Ontario Agricultural College at the three day virtual conference hosted by the In- ternational Society for Equitation Science (ISES).


Horse Human Interaction presentation slide


With around 50 recent horse behavior


studies referenced in the 40 minute presenta- tion (and apologies for the many not men- tioned), there is an undeniable growing interest to understand our impact on physio- logical and behavioural states of our equine partners. “The road to horse and human well- being” was the journey unfolding as Merkies expounded on the discoveries of her studies and those of fellow researchers. Evidenced- based research stands to make great strides to- ward continually improving equine welfare.


What do we know about horses? The talk began by introducing one of


Merkies’ collaborative research studies on how humans perceive their bond with horses. The survey indicated people would character- ize their bond in several ways: the horse ap- proaching them, vocally greeting them, trusting them in a frightening situation, taking care of them during hardships and physically touching them. Another study showed hu- mans can distinguish between positive and negative domestic horse vocalizations. A study by Merkies PhD student,


Cordelie DuBois, surveyed participants with surprising results. When asked to rank wel- fare-compromising scenarios, most could eas- ily pick out a physical threat to a horse but there was more variance in answers to ques- tions where the effects of boredom or frustra- tion were to be identified.


How do horses perceive us & what impact are we having on their welfare? Since the advent of the ‘five freedoms


of animal welfare’ and the evolution of ‘the five domains model’ increasing attention has been placed on animals not just surviving in our care but thriving and having their social/emotional needs met for a life worth living. Scientific research continues to con- tribute to an ever increasing knowledge base. Merkies’ latest collective paper on the


Effect of Human Attachment Style on Horse Behaviour and Physiology during Equine-As- sisted Activities was published earlier this year. The pilot study aimed to determine the effect of the attachment style of at-risk ado- lescents on the physiology and behavior of therapy horses during a 10-week Equine Fa- cilitated Learning program. The therapy horses used during this study indicated a low stress response toward participants in the pro- gram. In particular, a human insecure attach- ment style produced more predictable behavioural responses in the horses. In another study, Merkies and her team


discovered that, depending on the kind of stress, horses might blink significantly less when they’re experiencing acute stress. Horses may understand us better than


we understand them. One study has shown that horses are adept at distinguishing human facial expressions. Another study by Merkies’ graduate student, Abby Hodder, fur- ther supported this research and explored how this ability could influence the affective state of a horse. Can we say we are as good at reading a


horses’ expression? Have a look at the re- search on facial grimace recognition in horses to see if you can distinguish between relaxed and pained expressions. Merkies has also joined researchers in


the quest to find out how horses listen to us and if the human voice could have a calming effect on horses. She relays, horses in a round pen moved more quickly when a stern voice was introduced than when a pleasant one was used. The horses were also more likely to turn their body toward a pleasant voice. Merkies has also seen for herself in various studies that horses do not like being alone, in- stantly becoming calmer when a human en- ters a round pen scenario. Another study reveals horses are more likely to approach an attentive person over an inattentive one.


Studies on horses’ emotional intelligence have


come out with conflicting results with some pointing out a confident handler could more easily lead a horse through an obstacle course, while other stud- ies suggest horses are not stressed by a nervous han- dler. Some studies have suggested horses can recognize different emotions but empathy or expe- rience of those emotions are unknown. The hot topics of positive and negative rein-


forcement in the training of horses had been a recur- ring theme throughout the ISES conference and was


not to be left out of Merkies’ presentation. Incorrect use of negative reinforcement (such as incorrect tim- ing removing the pressure of an aid) has been linked to increased stress in horses. Positive reinforcement has been shown to lead to anticipatory behaviour and a greater attentiveness to the trainer. Other stud- ies have also revealed horses kept on pasture desen- sitize to novel stimuli quicker. The talk finished up on more recurrent themes


of ‘social license to operate’ and charging the human handlers with practicing ‘agency’ for the horse.


Tuning in to the horses needs and allowing them to express themselves. Not dismissing if they turn away when the bridle is presented, and similar cues delivered with body language. Education is the key to recognizing positive indicators of welfare and picking up on warning signs. Equitation science will continue to play an important role championing for equine welfare. See


this story online -


https://thehorseportal.ca/2020/08/horse-human-in- teractions-studied/


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