Horses Use Facial Expressions To Communicate, Just Like Humans

January 10, 2018

horses make facial expressions like humans

Horses are primarily visually-oriented creatures. And like humans, horses use their faces to communicate.

A recent study of horse facial expressions revealed that our equine friends use 17 discrete facial movements to communicate. That's just 10 fewer than humans (27) — but one more than dogs (16) and four more than chimps (13).

horses make facial expressions like humans

Mammal communication researchers at the University of Sussex, the University of Portsmouth, and Duquesne University discovered this with a two-pronged approach. They watched 15 hours of video showing 86 male and female horses, from a variety of breeds.

They also examined the features of horses' facial muscles by dissecting a horse head.

horses make facial expressions like humans

The horse facial expressions were found to be very similar to human ones, include raising inner eyebrows to show fear, surprise, or sadness; pulling back lip corners (smiling) in greeting or submission; and opening eyes wide to indicate alarm.

horses make facial expressions like humans

"It was previously thought that, in terms of other species, the further away an animal was from humans, the more rudimentary their use of facial expressions would be," said Karen McComb, a co-lead author of the study.

But this new research has shed light on a much different reality by revealing an added degree of complexity in the social lives of horses.

horses make facial expressions like humans

Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoThese Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious

feel good storiesKentucky Nurse Saves Drunk Raccoon With CPR After Dumpster Mishap

feel good storiesShoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms And The Causes Behind Them

feel good stories'Everyone Gets A Kick Out Of It': Baby Born At McDonald’s Parking Lot Has Perfect Nickname

feel good storiesThe Mechanical Nurse At Guy’s Hospital Is Equal Parts Creepy And Brilliant

feel good storiesDad And His Dog Share Breakfast Together Every Morning — And It’s The Sweetest Routine

feel good videoEpic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Flashmob Takes Over the Streets of Paris

feel good videoTexas Cheerleaders Perform Emotional 9/11 Tribute That Brings Crowd To Tears

feel good videoFDNY Honors Bride Whose Father Died On 9/11 With Touching Wedding Surprise

feel good videoHoney Badger Picks Fight With Elephant, Gets Hilariously Booted Away

feel good videoTiny Soccer Rivals Choose Hugs Over Competition

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me