New research from University Centre Askham Bryan (UCAB) and Newcastle University investigates how a horse’s personality influences its emotional wellbeing and response to pleasurable stimuli such as high-value food, wither scratches, positive reinforcement training, and companionship. The study found that horses exhibit varying levels of pleasure based on individual personality traits and past experiences, highlighting the importance of considering character when assessing equine contentment. This research is particularly relevant amid growing scrutiny of equine welfare in competitive sports and the broader equine industry’s social license to operate.

The study involved 20 horses whose personalities were scored by their owners, and researchers measured 27 indicators of pleasure—including ear movement, respiration, cortisol levels, and heart rate—during exposure to positive experiences. While individual preferences differed, the team developed a list of potential measures to assess pleasure and contentment in horses, providing a foundation for future welfare research. This work emphasizes the need to understand and promote positive emotional states in horses to improve their overall wellbeing and prevent chronic emotional distress.