researchers at the University of Sussex revealed in the scientific journal "Current Biology."
Their study, conducted in collaboration with colleagues from Italy, found that horses can pull the same facial expressions as humans, such as raising their eyebrows, and they use these expressions in much the same way.
The researchers analyzed the facial movements of 12 horses, capturing 2000 images of their faces while they were exposed to different situations, including being touched on different areas of their bodies, being given food, and interacting with other horses.
They found that horses have 17 distinct facial movements, which they use to communicate with each other and also with humans.
The researchers identified six key facial expressions in horses:
- Interest: horses raise their eyebrows and open their eyes wide
- Caution: horses pull back their lips, exposing their teeth
- Fear: horses flatten their ears and pull back their lips, exposing their teeth
- Surprise: horses raise their eyebrows and widen their eyes
- Relaxation: horses close their eyes and relax their facial muscles
- Play: horses open their mouths and stick out their tongues
The researchers also found that horses use these facial expressions in the same way that humans use them. For example, when horses are interested in something, they raise their eyebrows and open their eyes wide, just as humans do.
When horses are afraid, they pull back their lips and expose their teeth, just as humans do when they are angry or aggressive.
This research is important
because it shows that horses and humans have a lot more in common than we might think.
It also provides insight into how horses communicate with each other and with humans. By understanding their facial expressions, we can better understand their emotions and behavior, which can help us improve our interactions with them.
