Recognition of Human Facial Expressions of Emotion in the Domestic Horse (Equus caballus)

n this experiment positive reinforcement was used to teach horses to select photos of either angry (n=2) or happy (n=2) human facial expressions as opposed to a neutral expression of the same individual. At the end of the experiment, two horses were operating at an accuracy level significantly above chance: one from the group assigned to angry faces (χ2 = 25, p<.001) and one from the group assigned to happy faces (χ2 = 7.84, p=.005). However the other horses from both angry face (χ2 = 0.16, p= 0.689) and happy face (χ2 = 0, p=1) groups did not exceed chance levels and they were considered to have not learned the task. A finding that even one horse operates significantly above chance indicates that the cognitive skill is within the capacity of the species. Therefore, it is suggested that horses can discriminate between neutral human facial expressions and facial expressions of emotion. However, as only a few horses reached discrimination, alongside the length of time it took, demonstrates that horses are likely not highly sensitive to differences in facial expression. More research is needed to either support or refute this finding. However, if the finding stands, the result raises interesting questions concerning the mechanics of this differentiation, including whether this ability is innate or learned. It further carries practical importance for horse welfare and management.

Author dc:creator

• Caeli Elizabeth Peters Cavanagh 1992-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn á Hólum

• Hestafræði
• Hestar
• Vitsmunasálfræði
• Svipbrigði

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/34343

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/34343