Exploring horse owners' and caretakers' perceptions of emotions and associated behaviours in horses

Attribution of emotions to horses, as well as understanding how environmental factors may influence such states, may influence owners ’ and caretakers’ attitudes towards horse welfare. This, in turn, may influence how they manage and treat their animals. The aim of this study was to explore the views of Brazilian horse owners and caretakers regarding horse sentience, the contexts or events that may elicit different emotions, a nd the behaviours they believed to be an expression of these emotions. Survey participants were recruited and invited to participate online through vehicles with national coverage.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research