Left Eye Lopez!
February 10, 2016 1:57 AM Subscribe
Horses can recognise human emotion, study shows Man’s favourite neigh-sayer can not only tell whether a human might be in a bad mood, it can do so from a photograph. So brilliant!
“What’s really interesting about this research is that it shows horses have the ability to read emotions across the species barrier. We have known for a long time that horses are a socially sophisticated species but this is the first time we have seen that they can distinguish between positive and negative human facial expressions,” said Amy Smith, a doctoral student in the university’s mammal vocal communication and cognition research group.
“The reaction to angry facial expressions was particularly clear – there was a quicker increase in their heart rate, and the horses moved their heads to look at the angry faces with their left eye.”
Dogs have been shown to look at angry human faces with the left eye.
Sheep have been shown to recognize and be calmed by photographs of other sheep, and even to remember faces of sheep and humans.
“What’s really interesting about this research is that it shows horses have the ability to read emotions across the species barrier. We have known for a long time that horses are a socially sophisticated species but this is the first time we have seen that they can distinguish between positive and negative human facial expressions,” said Amy Smith, a doctoral student in the university’s mammal vocal communication and cognition research group.
“The reaction to angry facial expressions was particularly clear – there was a quicker increase in their heart rate, and the horses moved their heads to look at the angry faces with their left eye.”
Dogs have been shown to look at angry human faces with the left eye.
Sheep have been shown to recognize and be calmed by photographs of other sheep, and even to remember faces of sheep and humans.
'It is difficult to be sat on all day, every day, by some other creature, without forming an opinion on them.'
Beat me to it! Somebody just quoted that on Metafilter the other day. But you left out the disquieting follow-up line: "On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever."
posted by Ursula Hitler at 3:00 AM on February 10, 2016 [11 favorites]
Beat me to it! Somebody just quoted that on Metafilter the other day. But you left out the disquieting follow-up line: "On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever."
posted by Ursula Hitler at 3:00 AM on February 10, 2016 [11 favorites]
Makes me wonder if there are animals within that group who can't. I have a colleague who has an antisocial chicken, and I've known some pretty human clueless dogs. Just the other day, I met a cat who curled up in her human's arms, purring like it was the only thing keeping her alive in a fit of ecstasy, while her tail whipped around as if any moment she were going to go berserker and we were all going to lose at least an eyeball each.
posted by tilde at 3:30 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by tilde at 3:30 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
(Purring can be a sign of distress as well as of comfort.)
posted by mmiddle at 3:34 AM on February 10, 2016
posted by mmiddle at 3:34 AM on February 10, 2016
'It is difficult to be sat on all day, every day, by some other creature, without forming an opinion on them.'
Beat me to it! Somebody just quoted that on Metafilter the other day. But you left out the disquieting follow-up line: "On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever."
As an equestrian, I can't imagine how hard you would have to work at not thinking about the horse you are mounted on ...or how long you'd stay mounted if you were successful.
posted by GeorgeBickham at 4:03 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Beat me to it! Somebody just quoted that on Metafilter the other day. But you left out the disquieting follow-up line: "On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever."
As an equestrian, I can't imagine how hard you would have to work at not thinking about the horse you are mounted on ...or how long you'd stay mounted if you were successful.
posted by GeorgeBickham at 4:03 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
"Hey human, why the long face?"
posted by PlusDistance at 4:09 AM on February 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
posted by PlusDistance at 4:09 AM on February 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
Here's the abstract of a paper presented at a conference a couple of years ago (source, p. 467)
Are horses sensitive to humans’ emotional state during a leading task? (André et al., 2013)
Both humans and animals appear to be sensitive to cues displayed by each other while interacting and adapt their behaviours accordingly. However, very little is still known about the relevant elements that have to be considered when humans interact with horses. Here we investigated whether humans’ emotional state had an impact on horses’ heart rate and level of obedience in a simple leading task. Professionals (6 women, 2 men) and non-professionals (3 women, 3 men) were asked to lead a horse along a given path. Experiment 1 was performed on 8 professionals and 3 horses kept in natural conditions (site A); experiment 2 on 6 non-professionals and 13 horses, of which 5 from the site A and 8 from a riding school (site B). Humans’ and horses’ heart rates were recorded during the interaction. People also reported a posteriori on their positive (e.g. pleasure) and negative (e.g. fear) emotional states (questionnaire). Women reported on more satisfaction and more intense emotions than men . Interestingly, horses’ emotional states might be related to humans’ emotional states in women/horses dyads: heart rates of horses and women were higher in the site A than in the site B. Level of expertise also seems to be at stake in humans’ emotional states: non-professionals had lower heart rates and expressed less negative feelings (i.e. misunderstanding) than professionals. Horses however showed higher heart rates with non-professionals. These results suggest that horses are able to perceive humans’ emotional states. On-going analysis performed on horses’ behaviours will allow us to explore further the relationship between heart rates variations and the valence of the horses’ emotional states. The results reinforce the idea that knowledge of factors which might impact on humans’ emotions should be promoted, as appropriated emotions might be key elements to prevent accidents.
posted by elgilito at 4:24 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Are horses sensitive to humans’ emotional state during a leading task? (André et al., 2013)
Both humans and animals appear to be sensitive to cues displayed by each other while interacting and adapt their behaviours accordingly. However, very little is still known about the relevant elements that have to be considered when humans interact with horses. Here we investigated whether humans’ emotional state had an impact on horses’ heart rate and level of obedience in a simple leading task. Professionals (6 women, 2 men) and non-professionals (3 women, 3 men) were asked to lead a horse along a given path. Experiment 1 was performed on 8 professionals and 3 horses kept in natural conditions (site A); experiment 2 on 6 non-professionals and 13 horses, of which 5 from the site A and 8 from a riding school (site B). Humans’ and horses’ heart rates were recorded during the interaction. People also reported a posteriori on their positive (e.g. pleasure) and negative (e.g. fear) emotional states (questionnaire). Women reported on more satisfaction and more intense emotions than men . Interestingly, horses’ emotional states might be related to humans’ emotional states in women/horses dyads: heart rates of horses and women were higher in the site A than in the site B. Level of expertise also seems to be at stake in humans’ emotional states: non-professionals had lower heart rates and expressed less negative feelings (i.e. misunderstanding) than professionals. Horses however showed higher heart rates with non-professionals. These results suggest that horses are able to perceive humans’ emotional states. On-going analysis performed on horses’ behaviours will allow us to explore further the relationship between heart rates variations and the valence of the horses’ emotional states. The results reinforce the idea that knowledge of factors which might impact on humans’ emotions should be promoted, as appropriated emotions might be key elements to prevent accidents.
posted by elgilito at 4:24 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
"“The reaction to angry facial expressions was particularly clear – there was a quicker increase in their heart rate, and the horses moved their heads to look at the angry faces with their left eye.” Humans are scary.
posted by xarnop at 5:41 AM on February 10, 2016
posted by xarnop at 5:41 AM on February 10, 2016
"No sir, I didn't like it."
posted by lagomorphius at 5:48 AM on February 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
posted by lagomorphius at 5:48 AM on February 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
Funny thing is, they were able to "do mathematics" precisely because they were so good at reading humans.
posted by clawsoon at 8:11 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by clawsoon at 8:11 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Hans was significant first.
posted by srboisvert at 8:14 AM on February 10, 2016
posted by srboisvert at 8:14 AM on February 10, 2016
Horse owners out there - where do horses sit on the social interaction scale? I do not understand them and soto me they seem like they are much closer to human/hamster or human/cow than they are to human/dog or human/cat. But I probably haven't spend more than 10 hours total with horses so I figure I am way off.
posted by rtimmel at 9:00 AM on February 10, 2016
posted by rtimmel at 9:00 AM on February 10, 2016
I don't think I'd group "human/dog" and "human/cat" together.
"Human/cat" is more like "human/cow", while "human/dog" is more like "human/horse".
(You probably haven't observed the close relationships people can develop with their cows.)
posted by clawsoon at 9:22 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Human/cat" is more like "human/cow", while "human/dog" is more like "human/horse".
(You probably haven't observed the close relationships people can develop with their cows.)
posted by clawsoon at 9:22 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
'women/horses dyads' a perfect band name for anyone looking for one!
posted by stevedawg at 9:49 AM on February 10, 2016
posted by stevedawg at 9:49 AM on February 10, 2016
'women/horses dyads' a perfect band name for anyone looking for one!
But an absolutely horrifying Google search string
posted by PlusDistance at 10:02 AM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
But an absolutely horrifying Google search string
posted by PlusDistance at 10:02 AM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Horses are between dog and cat in attitude (trying to be simplistic here.) Since they are prey, there's a tendency to skittish behavior when a potential predator is about, aka: plastic bag. They follow you around like a dog, but have absolutely no desire to crawl into your lap; snuffling pockets, however is a past time (treats live there.)
Horses have wicked senes of humour and will so very quickly take advantage of a novice horseman. You can almost read the attitude of a horse by watching the ears and mouth/lips of the steed (always in conjunction with overall body language. ) Of course they can sense a person's mood, but I don't really know how the photos are readable to the horse. ..
posted by mightshould at 11:04 AM on February 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
Horses have wicked senes of humour and will so very quickly take advantage of a novice horseman. You can almost read the attitude of a horse by watching the ears and mouth/lips of the steed (always in conjunction with overall body language. ) Of course they can sense a person's mood, but I don't really know how the photos are readable to the horse. ..
posted by mightshould at 11:04 AM on February 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
They follow you around like a dog, but have absolutely no desire to crawl into your lap
Oh man, I have known a few who would!
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:35 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Oh man, I have known a few who would!
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:35 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
"On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever."
Makes great social commentary, but has absolutely no relationship to actually riding a horse.
“What’s really interesting about this research is that it shows horses have the ability to read emotions across the species barrier. We have known for a long time that horses are a socially sophisticated species but this is the first time we have seen that they can distinguish between positive and negative human facial expressions,”
Also seems to come from never having been around an actual horse. I am surprised about the photograph part though.
where do horses sit on the social interaction scale?
First, what mightshould said. I think what confuses people is that horses are very social and interactive, but they are not at all big dogs. A lot of people go up to interact with them like they are and get the wrong reaction. They are prey animals and can be jumpy, and are big and can be dangerous. Your attitude and emotions are crucial to interacting with a horse, so it’s odd that this would be a new "discovery".
Scientists prove people on the subway don’t like to be spit on.
posted by bongo_x at 12:50 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Makes great social commentary, but has absolutely no relationship to actually riding a horse.
“What’s really interesting about this research is that it shows horses have the ability to read emotions across the species barrier. We have known for a long time that horses are a socially sophisticated species but this is the first time we have seen that they can distinguish between positive and negative human facial expressions,”
Also seems to come from never having been around an actual horse. I am surprised about the photograph part though.
where do horses sit on the social interaction scale?
First, what mightshould said. I think what confuses people is that horses are very social and interactive, but they are not at all big dogs. A lot of people go up to interact with them like they are and get the wrong reaction. They are prey animals and can be jumpy, and are big and can be dangerous. Your attitude and emotions are crucial to interacting with a horse, so it’s odd that this would be a new "discovery".
Scientists prove people on the subway don’t like to be spit on.
posted by bongo_x at 12:50 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
so it’s odd that this would be a new "discovery".
They've shown that horses can read faces, as opposed to horses 'can hear when a speaker is angry' or 'can read body language'.
And if you don't do science as science, then you get enthusiasts presenting false claims about Clever Hans phenomena.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:03 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
They've shown that horses can read faces, as opposed to horses 'can hear when a speaker is angry' or 'can read body language'.
And if you don't do science as science, then you get enthusiasts presenting false claims about Clever Hans phenomena.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:03 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Having worked with horses for decades I am not at all surprised by this. I learned to control my emotions and anxieties because horses pick up on that stuff incredibly quickly.
For horse-people it can be funny to see this touted as a discovery because it just seems like common sense to many of us. But it's the act of testing and writing it down that makes it "real", I suppose. Learning how to communicate with animals is like learning another language. It's not "horse" and it's not sign language, but it is communication using lots of body language and unspoken cues, and some verbal ones, as well. It is really hard to explain to people who don't spend time around animals, though.
posted by arachnidette at 2:26 PM on February 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
For horse-people it can be funny to see this touted as a discovery because it just seems like common sense to many of us. But it's the act of testing and writing it down that makes it "real", I suppose. Learning how to communicate with animals is like learning another language. It's not "horse" and it's not sign language, but it is communication using lots of body language and unspoken cues, and some verbal ones, as well. It is really hard to explain to people who don't spend time around animals, though.
posted by arachnidette at 2:26 PM on February 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
They'll be discovering that the World is round next!!
Good scientific research if you can persuade people to pay for it - or not to ask for their money back!
posted by Burn_IT at 4:36 PM on February 10, 2016
Good scientific research if you can persuade people to pay for it - or not to ask for their money back!
posted by Burn_IT at 4:36 PM on February 10, 2016
"On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever."
Makes great social commentary, but has absolutely no relationship to actually riding a horse.
"On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightestthought about consideration for them whatsoever."
FTFY
posted by BlueHorse at 5:56 PM on February 10, 2016
Makes great social commentary, but has absolutely no relationship to actually riding a horse.
"On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest
FTFY
posted by BlueHorse at 5:56 PM on February 10, 2016
They'll be discovering that the World is round next!!
Good scientific research if you can persuade people to pay for it - or not to ask for their money back!
This is more like characterizing exactly how much the world is an oblate spheroid, or a gravity map or something.
If you were writing a textbook or scientific paper on horses, would you have written "Horses can read human faces.", "Horses can add numbers on a chalkboard.", etc.? If you were a reviewer, would you sign off on it?
And this research extends; we can look at the brains of animals that can read expression and animals that cannot, and try to figure out brain function. And it folds into teaching people to behave thoughtfully around horses.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:29 AM on February 11, 2016
Good scientific research if you can persuade people to pay for it - or not to ask for their money back!
This is more like characterizing exactly how much the world is an oblate spheroid, or a gravity map or something.
If you were writing a textbook or scientific paper on horses, would you have written "Horses can read human faces.", "Horses can add numbers on a chalkboard.", etc.? If you were a reviewer, would you sign off on it?
And this research extends; we can look at the brains of animals that can read expression and animals that cannot, and try to figure out brain function. And it folds into teaching people to behave thoughtfully around horses.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:29 AM on February 11, 2016
Learning how to communicate with animals is like learning another language. It's not "horse" and it's not sign language, but it is communication using lots of body language and unspoken cues, and some verbal ones, as well. It is really hard to explain to people who don't spend time around animals, though.
This! With the addition that, if you know how to communicate with or read one animal, it doesn't guarantee that will translate well. I grew up very close to several cats, but did not have close contact with dogs till I got one around age 12. I remember being a little stumped that it was very hard for me to "read" him, not at all like the cats, whose body language I knew to the point of it being instinctive for me. I'm glad I did have a dog then and learned that early.
I had a horse and was around horses before that, too, and I remember being a little surprised that "dog" was much closer to "horse" than it was to "cat."
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:49 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
This! With the addition that, if you know how to communicate with or read one animal, it doesn't guarantee that will translate well. I grew up very close to several cats, but did not have close contact with dogs till I got one around age 12. I remember being a little stumped that it was very hard for me to "read" him, not at all like the cats, whose body language I knew to the point of it being instinctive for me. I'm glad I did have a dog then and learned that early.
I had a horse and was around horses before that, too, and I remember being a little surprised that "dog" was much closer to "horse" than it was to "cat."
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:49 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
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posted by sebastienbailard at 2:25 AM on February 10, 2016 [18 favorites]