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SARGA.CO – Can you tell when a horse is in pain just by looking at its facial expression? Turns out, the answer isn’t as simple as it seems.
A new study from Bournemouth University in the UK reveals that many people struggle to detect pain in horses — even those familiar with the equestrian world. In this research, participants were asked to judge whether the horses and humans shown in photos were in pain or not.
Easier to Detect Pain in Human Faces
Overall, participants were much better at recognizing pain in humans than in horses. However, those with experience caring for or working with horses demonstrated far greater accuracy. In fact, the more experience someone had with horses, the better they were at reading subtle signs of discomfort.
According to Dr. Nicola J. Gregory, senior lecturer in psychology at Bournemouth University, humans have long depended on horses — as working animals, for leisure, and in sports worldwide. Yet, how well we actually recognize their pain has rarely been studied.
she explained.
The study also uncovered another fascinating insight: people with social anxiety tend to be more sensitive to detecting pain in humans, but are less accurate when judging horses. They often mistakenly assume a horse is in pain, even when no clear indicators suggest it.
These findings highlight the importance of proper training and awareness of equine body language and facial expressions, especially for owners, trainers, and anyone who works closely with horses.
Being able to recognize signs of pain accurately not only improves a horse’s welfare but also helps prevent undetected injuries or suffering.
So, the next time you see a horse standing still and appearing calm, it might not be at ease — it could be quietly enduring pain. Reading a horse’s emotions isn’t just about looking; it takes experience, empathy, and understanding.
(Source: bournemouthecho.co.uk)
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