The Reflection of Human Emotions in Horses: Allies in Assisted Therapy and Equine Therapy

By: Natalia Imberti Posted: 01/11/2024

Horses have accompanied humanity for millennia, not only as means of transport or work companions but also as beings with whom we have shared profound emotional bonds.

In recent decades, scientific interest in understanding how horses can reflect and respond to human emotions has grown, leading to the development of horse-assisted therapies, such as equine therapy and psychological therapy with horses.

These animals have proven capable of acting as "emotional sensors," capturing and reflecting the emotional states of the people around them, making them valuable allies in therapeutic contexts.

Horses’ Ability to Reflect Human Emotions

As prey animals, horses have evolved to be extremely sensitive to their environment.

This sensitivity is not limited to detecting predators but also includes perceiving emotional signals from other living beings, including humans.

This emotional reflection is evident in how horses respond to body language, facial expressions, and chemical signals emitted by humans.

• Perception of Body Language and Facial Expressions

  Body language and facial expressions are powerful forms of non-verbal communication that horses are exceptionally skilled at reading.

  Studies have shown that horses can distinguish between different human emotions simply by observing our faces and postures.

  For example, a 2016 study by the University of Sussex revealed that horses react differently when seeing human faces expressing anger compared to those showing joy.

  When confronted with an angry facial expression, horses show signs of heightened alertness, such as an increased heart rate and heightened vigilance.

  This suggests that horses not only perceive human emotions but also adjust their behavior based on what they detect.

  Furthermore, horses can interpret human body language in a similar way.

  A 2018 study published in Scientific Reports found that horses prefer to approach people showing submissive body language rather than dominant body language.

  This finding indicates that horses are highly sensitive to the subtle physical cues emitted by humans and can reflect a person's emotional state through their own behaviors.

• Empathy and Emotional Resonance

  Empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions of others.

  Although the concept of empathy in non-human animals is complex and subject to debate, some studies suggest that horses may exhibit forms of empathy toward humans.

  A 2018 study published in Biology Letters explored horses' ability to resonate emotionally with humans.

  Researchers played recordings of human sounds expressing positive emotions (such as laughter) and negative emotions (such as crying) and observed horses' reactions.

  The results showed that horses adjusted their behavior based on the type of sound they heard; for example, upon hearing crying, horses exhibited signs of stress, such as restless movements and tense ears.

  This behavior suggests that horses not only perceive human emotions but also resonate with them, empathetically reflecting the emotional states of those around them.

• Detection of Chemical Signals: Smell as an Emotional Channel

  In addition to body language and facial expressions, horses can detect changes in human pheromones, which are chemicals released in response to different emotional states.

  A pilot study conducted in 2020 by Italian researchers exposed horses to human sweat samples collected in stressful and relaxed situations.

  Horses displayed different behaviors when sniffing the sweat of stressed people compared to that of relaxed individuals.

  These preliminary results suggest that horses can pick up on chemical signals related to human emotional states, enabling them to adjust their behavior in response to those signals.

  This ability makes horses highly refined "emotional sensors" capable of accurately detecting and reflecting human emotions.

Horses as Emotional Sensors in Assisted Therapies

Horses' ability to reflect human emotions makes them ideal for use in assisted therapies.

These therapies include equine therapy, horse-assisted psychological therapy, and other interventions where horses act as co-therapists.

In these contexts, horses act as an emotional mirror, helping therapists identify and address patients' emotional issues.

1. Equine Therapy: Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-being

   Equine therapy is a therapeutic intervention that uses interaction with horses to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

   It is particularly effective in treating people with physical disabilities, developmental disorders, and emotional issues.

   In this context, horses reflect the patient's emotions, allowing therapists to better observe and understand the individual's emotional states.

   For example, in equine therapy sessions with children on the autism spectrum (ASD), horses can adjust their behavior based on the child's anxiety or stress level.

   If the child is anxious, the horse may become calmer and move more slowly, which helps to soothe the child.

   This ability of horses to adapt their behavior to the emotional needs of the patient is one of the key factors that makes equine therapy so effective.

2. Horse-Assisted Psychological Therapy: A Safe Space for Emotional Expression

   Horse-assisted psychological therapy is an intervention where horses are used to help patients explore and express their emotions.

   This therapy is particularly useful for people who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings, as horses can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for patients to feel comfortable expressing their emotions.

   By reflecting the patient's emotions, horses can help therapists identify emotional and behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

   For example, if a patient is repressing emotions, the horse may show signs of discomfort or restlessness, alerting the therapist to the need to explore those repressed emotions more deeply.

   In this way, horses act as an "emotional barometer," helping to guide the therapeutic process.

3. The Role of Horses in Building Emotional Connections

   Another way in which horses reflect and respond to human emotions is by creating deep emotional connections between the patient and the animal.

   These connections can be incredibly therapeutic, as horses offer a form of emotional support that is unconditional and without judgment.

   In therapy sessions, horses can help patients develop social and emotional skills such as trust, empathy, and self-regulation.

   For example, a patient struggling with social anxiety can learn to manage their emotions while interacting with a horse, which can, in turn, improve their ability to handle social interactions in other contexts.

   Moreover, the fact that horses reflect the patient's emotions in real time allows for immediate feedback, facilitating emotional learning and growth.

Conclusion

Horses are much more than working animals or companions; they are highly sensitive beings capable of reflecting and responding to human emotions in complex and profound ways.

This ability makes them invaluable allies in the field of assisted therapy, where they act as "emotional sensors" that can detect and mirror patients' emotional states.

Through equine therapy, horse-assisted psychological therapy, and other interventions, horses have demonstrated their ability to help people explore, express, and manage their emotions effectively.

By acting as an emotional mirror, horses not only enhance the patient's emotional understanding but also promote the development of key social and emotional skills.

Ultimately, the use of horses in assisted therapies not only improves the quality of life of those who participate in these interventions but also underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the emotional capacity of these extraordinary animals. By harnessing this capacity, we can continue developing and improving therapeutic practices that use horses as co-therapists, offering new opportunities for emotional healing and growth.

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