Justine Harrison - Equine Behaviourist

21/06/2025

HORSES SHOW DISTINCT FACIAL EXPRESSIONS WHEN ANTICIPATING POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE EVENTS

New research has shown that horses display different facial expressions and behaviours depending on whether they are anticipating a positive or a negative experience.

The study aimed to explore how horses express their emotions using facial expressions and behaviour, and whether these could be linked to positive or negative emotional anticipation.

Twenty mares were trained to wait in a designated area (a starting box) before being led to one of two possible outcomes: a positive experience (access to pasture with other horses) or a negative one (being taken alone to an unfamiliar environment). This setup allowed the researchers to observe how horses behave when they expect either a desirable or undesirable situation.

Over multiple sessions, the team recorded the horses’ behaviour, facial movements (using EquiFACS – the Equine Facial Action Coding System), heart rate, and cortisol levels. They also used a network analysis tool (NetFACS) to study which facial expressions tended to occur together in each context.

The researchers found clear differences in the horses’ responses depending on the type of anticipation. When expecting a positive event, horses more often showed behaviours such as head shaking, stepping back, sniffing, and pawing. They held their necks higher, performed more half-blinks, and showed increased mouth movements.

In contrast, during negative anticipation, horses showed less behavioural variety. They were more likely to hold their necks at a medium height, keep their ears back and flattened, and exhibit more nostril movements. Their behaviour was generally more withdrawn and they appeared more tense.

Interestingly, while heart rate and cortisol did increase slightly in the negative condition, these physiological changes were not as marked as the behavioural and facial differences — highlighting just how important it is to observe the horse’s expressions and body language alongside traditional measures of stress.

These findings confirm that horses express emotions in nuanced ways and that facial expressions and behaviour offer valuable insight into how they feel. Understanding these subtle cues can help us better recognise emotional states in horses and improve how we manage and interact with them.

Study details: Phelipon, R., Bertrand, L., Jardat, P., Reigner, F., Lewis, K., Micheletta, J., & Lansade, L. (2025). Characterisation of facial expressions and behaviours of horses in response to positive and negative emotional anticipation using network analysis. PLoS ONE, 20(5), e0319315.

11/06/2025

RESEARCH ON EQUINE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS MAKES NATIONAL MEDIA

A huge well done to the equine researchers (and the press team!) at the University of Portsmouth for getting their recent study featured on ITV News. It’s fantastic to see their groundbreaking work on equine facial expressions using EquiFACS – an ethogram capturing over 800 subtle horse facial cues – reach a national audience. It’s not every day that equine research gets mainstream media coverage!

“An ethogram of facial behaviour in domestic horses” (Kate Lewis et al.) presents a first-ever comprehensive toolkit mapping 805 facial configurations across 22 naturally occurring horse–horse interactions like play, aggression, attention, and friendly behaviours. Using EquiFACS and network analysis (NetFACS), the team linked specific facial muscle movements – such as ear position, lip tension, nostril dilation, head angle – to different social/emotional states. They also discovered a new action unit (AUH21) previously unknown in horses. The result is a powerful new framework that helps horse trainers, carers and vets better interpret equine communication and improve welfare.

Read the full paper here: An ethogram of facial behaviour in domestic horses: evolutionary perspectives on form and function (PeerJ, 2025) – DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1

A great step forward for horse welfare, and a game-changer for trainers, carers and vets alike. Great to see this important work getting the recognition it deserves!

Watch the latest from ITV News - The University of Portsmouth believes the findings could lead to improvements in horse welfare

23/05/2025

HOW DO HORSES BEHAVE IN THE WILD?

Curious about how horses live, communicate and interact in wild or free-roaming conditions?

Join me and the brilliant Samantha Couper - Equine ABCs for a fascinating webinar on 3 June, where we’ll explore what natural horse behaviour can teach us about their needs, emotions and social lives — and how this knowledge can help us improve their care in domestic settings.

Whether you're a horse owner, trainer, or just passionate about equine welfare, this is one not to miss!

17/05/2025

WHAT'S YOUR HORSE TELLING YOU?

I'm really looking forward to presenting a full day workshop on equine body language for the The British Horse Society in Yorkshire on 31 May.

There will be presentations, real-time observations and practical exercises with horses at Craven College in Skipton. Throughout the day, you’ll gain valuable insights into what your horse is really telling you through their body language and behaviour, and learn practical skills you can apply straight away.

You’ll learn about:
• How to recognise and interpret equine body language
• Tips and practical strategies for improving your horse’s behaviour
• Equine emotions and emotional thresholds
• Spotting signs of pain, stress, and fear in horses

You’ll leave the day with a clearer understanding of what your horse is communicating, practical observation skills you can use every day
and ideas to help improve your relationship with your horse.

There are still a few tickets available, look here for more info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bhsyorkshire/1653112

BHS Yorkshire - see you there!

12/05/2025

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE WELFARE OF HORSES IN SPORT?

Do the welfare guidelines set out by the various equestrian organisations actually protect the horse? Are horses ever happy at competitions?

Come and join equine welfare scientist Tamzin Furtado, award-winning welfare trailblazer Amanda Stoddart-West and myself in this free webinar to discuss the state of equine welfare in competition and how you can get involved.

Understand Horses presents a free webinar with welfare trailblazer Amanda Stoddart-West and social scientist Dr Tamzin Furtado on the role of equine welfare stewards and how you can optimise horse wellbeing at equine events.

11/05/2025

CAN YOUR HORSE SAY 'NO'? AND IF THEY DO — DO YOU LISTEN?

A horse’s “no” can be easy to miss — it might show up as hesitation, tension, resistance, or avoidance. Some horses hardly ever say no, often because past experiences have taught them that speaking up leads to increased pressure or discomfort.

But “no” is still communication. It’s not misbehaviour — it’s a signal that something isn’t right. The horse might be fearful, uncomfortable, in pain, or unsure about what’s being asked.

There’s a clear difference between a horse working with you willingly and one that’s simply complying because they’ve stopped trying to voice their feelings.

Unfortunately, many common training and riding methods reduce a horse’s ability to communicate. We often restrict their vision with fixed head positions, tighten nosebands to stop mouth movement, use whips, ropes and sticks to drive them forward, then harsher bits or pressure halters when they react. In some cases, medication is used to make horses easier to handle. All of this can suppress natural responses and discourage the horse from expressing how they feel.

But a horse shouldn’t need to shut down to be seen as well-behaved.

If a horse says no, I want to understand why — and what I can do to help them feel more able to say yes. Their feedback helps me adjust my approach and avoid pushing too far.

Listening and understanding builds trust in all relationships. And when we take the “no” seriously, the “yes” becomes meaningful.

30/03/2025

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

It’s Mother’s Day here in the UK, so let’s take a moment to celebrate equine mums too.

With foaling season upon us, many mares are carrying that extra weight and nearing the final stretch of their pregnancies. It’s a tiring time for them!

Horses are highly social animals, forming close bonds within their herds. Mares don’t just care for their own foals—they’ll also help educate and watch over other youngsters in the group. In some cases, a mare who has lost her own foal may even adopt an orphan as her own. Whether they’re biological mothers or not, mares play a vital role in raising the next generation.

This photo captures a beautiful example of that: a foster mare who tragically lost her own foal during birth just two days earlier, now caring for an orphaned foal. They had only been introduced an hour before this picture was taken—and the mare’s expression says it all!

Photo courtesy of Equiception. Find out more about their story here:
https://www.facebook.com/.../a.623567384.../628527460630818/

24/03/2025

APPLYING LEARNING THEORY WHEN RIDING

This Wednesday at 7pm you can join Trudi Dempsey: Equine Trainer and Behaviour Consultant and I for a webinar looking at the application of learning theory when riding.

The webinar is free thanks to the very lovely people at World Horse Welfare. To register you can book a place here: https://worldhorsewelfare.zoom.us/webinar/register/9417417766987/WN_X1WIM4_vRIOAVusvOUxyfA

23/03/2025

ARE WE REALLY IMPROVING HORSE WELFARE, OR JUST ARGUING ABOUT IT?

It feels like debates about horse welfare on social media are becoming more frequent, more heated – and sometimes, extremely hostile. The divide between “us” and “them” seems to be growing, with discussions often turning into conflicts rather than constructive conversations.

Of course, raising awareness is important. And sometimes, social media does make a difference – challenging outdated practices, sharing new research, and encouraging people to rethink how they train and care for horses. But when arguments become personal, aggressive, or just an echo chamber of the same people clashing, I have to wonder – are we actually making a difference for horses? Or are we just exhausting ourselves in online battles that change no minds, or just gather more support on both sides?

Does arguing online actually change opinions?

Research on social media debates is mixed. Some studies suggest that aggressive arguments can backfire, making people more defensive rather than open to change. Social media also encourages echo chambers, where people mainly interact with those who already share their views.

But there’s hope – other studies show that civil, well-reasoned discussions can shift opinions over time, especially for those who are undecided. Even if the person you’re debating with won’t budge, the people watching the conversation might rethink their views. Social norms change when enough people consistently challenge outdated beliefs, which is why calling out poor practices can make a difference.

So, maybe the real question isn’t should we debate online, but how we do it. Do we focus on education and evidence? Do we stay calm and constructive, or get drawn into personal attacks? And is social media even the best place for real change – or does progress happen more effectively through education, research, and real-world action?

I find myself stepping back from social media because of the toxic arguments, but of course I still believe in raising awareness about equine welfare. How do you feel? Do you think we’re at a tipping point in the welfare debate? Is social media helping or harming the cause?

19/03/2025

CAN YOU RECOGNISE WHEN A HORSE IS IN PAIN?

Research indicates that many horse owners, riders, and equine professionals often struggle to recognise pain and discomfort in horses.

As a result, many horses are suffering from undiagnosed physical conditions. Pain is one of the most common causes of behavioural problems and pain-related behaviours are often misinterpreted or dismissed as ‘bad behaviour'.

While obvious injuries are easy to spot, subtle signs of discomfort, lameness, and biomechanical issues can be much harder to detect. Recognising these signs is essential for your horse’s welfare, comfort, and performance.

I am very excited to be hosting this 4-week online course alongside veterinary behaviourist Roxane Kirton and veterinary physiotherapist Holly Gallacher. We will give you the knowledge and practical skills to identify and assess equine pain from both physiological and behavioural perspectives.

What’s included?
• Video lessons
• Weekly live Zoom discussions with Roxane, Holly and I
• Case studies & real-life examples
• A dedicated discussion forum
• Quizzes to test your knowledge

What you’ll learn:
• How pain affects equine behaviour
• Behavioural indicators of pain
• How to identify subtle signs of discomfort
• How to recognise pain in the ridden horse
• How to perform a clinical assessment
• Forelimb & hindlimb lameness assessment
• Understanding biomechanics & movement dysfunction

The course starts on 12 April, there are still a few places left. Hopefully see you there!

15/03/2025

CAN YOU RECOGNISE THE BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS OF GASTRIC PAIN IN HORSES?

Gastric ulcers are a common concern in horses and are often linked to behavioural and performance issues. Studies suggest that 60-80% of horses across different disciplines experience gastric ulceration. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a gastroscopy, this makes recognising early behavioural indicators a valuable tool for horse owners and vets.

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has investigated the connection between behaviour and gastric disease. The team analysed 30 cases where horses underwent 24-hour video monitoring alongside gastroscopic examinations.

The results were striking – 24 out of 26 horses diagnosed with gastric disease showed specific behavioural signs, while none of the healthy horses did. These included:

• Frequent attention to the cranial abdomen – nuzzling, swatting, nipping, or focused gazing near the elbow
• Deep abdominal stretching
• Signs of discomfort while eating, drinking, or anticipating feeding.

These behaviours may help horse owners and veterinarians identify potential gastric issues earlier. While further research is needed, the findings support the idea that gastric discomfort has a recognisable behavioural pattern.

Early detection is crucial – if your horse is showing any of these signs, consult your vet immediately!

08/03/2025

ARE WE FAILING OUR HORSES?

The RSPCA (England & Wales) has published a report on their research looking at the persistent equine welfare crisis affecting thousands of horses across England and Wales.

Key Findings:

Widespread Welfare Issues: Many horses suffer from obesity, lack of turnout, gastric ulcers, delayed euthanasia, limited social interaction, and rough handling.

The research identified four primary drivers:

• Knowledge Gaps: A significant number of horse keepers lack the necessary practical knowledge and experience to meet their horses' welfare needs.

• Supply-Demand Mismatch: Overpopulation of certain breeds, like Thoroughbreds, contrasts with a scarcity of leisure 'all-rounders', leading to welfare concerns.

• Inadequate Facilities: Limited access to proper turnout, grazing, and socialisation negatively affects horses' well-being.

• Lifetime Welfare Planning: Insufficient planning for horses' lifetime care results in premature or delayed euthanasia, abandonment, or poor end-of-life care.

Addressing this crisis requires effort from governments, local authorities and the equine community. Strengthening legislation, improving how laws are enforced, and promoting education on equine welfare are all crucial steps to ensure every horse has a good life.

It is time for everyone to step up! It's our responsibility to recognise and address these challenges. By improving our understanding of equine behaviour, welfare and training, we can all make a difference to the lives of horses.

The full RSPCA report is now online, and every horse owner should read it.