This systematic review published in Animal Cognition comprehensively examines how individual horse characteristics—such as age, breed, and prior experiences—and management practices influence equine cognition. The study highlights that younger horses exhibit greater cognitive flexibility and exploratory behavior, while older horses bring valuable experience to complex decision-making. Breed-specific traits also affect learning preferences, with breeds like Thoroughbreds and Arabians showing distinct cognitive strengths. Furthermore, management factors including diet, social environment, and training methods play crucial roles in facilitating or hindering cognitive development, with stress reduction and positive human-horse interactions being key to enhancing learning and emotional wellbeing.

The review underscores the importance of integrating cognitive challenges into training to promote mental enrichment and welfare, advocating for tailored approaches that consider individual differences. It calls for further interdisciplinary research and practical application of findings to evolve traditional training practices, fostering environments that maximize horses’ cognitive potential. Ultimately, this work advances understanding of equine intelligence, encouraging more empathetic and effective management that benefits both horses and humans, and signals a transformative shift in the equine industry’s approach to cognition and welfare.