How may horses respond to the emotional expressions of humans?

Horses possess a remarkable ability to read and interpret the emotional expressions of humans. Research has shown that they are capable of recognizing various emotions, including happiness, sadness, and anger, through facial cues and body language. This ability is rooted in their evolutionary history as prey animals, where understanding the emotional states of other species, including potential threats, is crucial for their survival.

Moreover, studies have demonstrated that horses exhibit different behaviors in response to human emotions. For example, when exposed to a person displaying a friendly demeanor, horses are likely to approach and seek interaction, whereas a human showing signs of anger or fear may trigger avoidance behaviors. This indicates that horses not only perceive human emotions but also respond accordingly, shaping their interactions and relationships with humans based on these cues. Thus, the capability of horses to read emotional expressions reflects their social intelligence and the depth of their relationship with humans, which is significant for enhancing the quality of training and veterinary practices.