February 16, 2026
A new study has found that horses can identify when humans are scared using their sense of smell. For the study, horses were introduced to the smell of people experiencing fear and joy. Researchers studied the biological signals of horses, including their heart rate and their behaviour. Horses that were exposed to the scent of people who experienced fear showed more caution and fright. This study provides a deeper understanding of horse behaviour in relation to humans and can also help with horse training.
DID YOU KNOW?
Horses help in mental health treatment through therapy called equine-assisted psychotherapy. Mental health professionals complement treatment with interaction with horses, which helps patients feel relaxed and comforted.
