Handler’s Voice Impacts Human-Horse Bond

Speaking softly to your horse may increase the bond between the two of you, according to recent research.^* Audio recordings of cheerful and angry human voices were played for horses, and their reactions to the different voices were documented. Researchers concluded horses prefer soothing tones to harsh ones.

“Vocal productions share a great deal of information, including emotion, arousal, age, gender, physical stature, and even individual identification. All of that information can be gleaned from frequency, harmonics, pitch, and amplitude or perceived loudness of the vocalizations,” shared Laura Petroski-Rose, B.V.M.S., a veterinarian with Kentucky Equine Research.

In the study, when horses were exposed to recordings of negative human nonverbal vocalizations, like growling, the researchers noted so-called “vigilant behaviors.” Those behaviors included adopting a freeze posture for longer than normal, holding ears forward, and performing fewer ear movements.

This study also highlights the sensitivity of horses to human emotions, even without the impact of body language and facial expressions. “Failing to appreciate a horse’s innate emotional sensitivity can negatively affect trainability and the strength of the human-horse bond,” advised Petroski-Rose.

In addition to being cognizant of body language and tone of voice, another easy way to potentially boost trainability is to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids.

“The omega-3 fatty acid DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, makes up 10-20% of all fats and more than 90% of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain. Kentucky Equine Research’s omega-3 fatty acid supplement EO-3 is rich in both DHA and EPA, supporting brain function, cognition, and trainability,” Petroski-Rose advised.

EO-3 has multiple other proven benefits, including supporting joint health; improving airway inflammation; enhancing response to vaccination; and maximizing reproductive health in mares, stallions, and foals.

^*Smith, A.V., L. Proops, L. Grounds, et al. 2018. Domestic horses (Equus caballus) discriminate between negative and positive human nonverbal vocalisations. Scientific Reports. 8(1):13052.