A recent study led by researchers including Dr. Lea Lansade from the University of Tours in France has found that horses can detect fear in humans through the scent of their sweat. Volunteers watched either horror or joyful films while wearing cotton pads under their arms, which were then attached to horses’ muzzles. Horses exposed to the sweat from fearful individuals showed increased startle responses and elevated heart rates compared to those exposed to sweat from happy individuals, suggesting that fear signals can be transmitted between humans and horses via body odor.

This discovery highlights the close emotional connection between humans and horses and has practical implications for those who work with these animals. Researchers advise riders and caretakers to be mindful of their emotional state, as arriving at a stable relaxed may improve interactions with horses. The study adds to growing evidence that emotional signals, such as fear, can cross species boundaries and influence animal behavior.