How Horses Express Jealousy: learn more about Equine Behavior

Horses have played a big part in human history for centuries and have played crucial roles in our lives, from transportation to sport and entertainment. However, we still do not have a full understanding of equine emotions. The scientist in us tend to think of horses as stoic and unemotional, but research has shown that they are capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, including fear, contentment, and even happiness, a fact that all horse owners instinctively know.

One emotion often brought up by horse owners is the subject of jealousy. Jealousy is a complex emotion that involves feelings of envy, possessiveness, and fear of losing something valuable. Do horses actually feel jealous? This question is important for several reasons as it can help how we care for and train them and understanding equine emotions can help us build stronger bonds with our beloved horses and improve their welfare.

Definition of jealousy

In humans, jealousy can be expressed in a variety of ways, including anger, sadness, or even violence. In animals, jealousy is typically expressed through aggressive or possessive behavior towards a perceived rival.

In horses, jealousy may manifest in various ways. For example, a horse may become aggressive or agitated when separated from a companion that they have a strong bond with. They may also try to monopolize resources, such as food or water, to prevent another horse from getting it. Some horses may even become depressed or lethargic if they feel that they are not receiving enough attention or affection from their owner or not in the company of other horses.

When it comes to comparing equine behavior to how other animals express jealousy, it’s worth noting that different species may display jealousy in quite similar ways. For example, dogs may become possessive of their toys or food bowls and may growl or snap at another dog that tries to take them. Monkeys may become territorial and try to intimidate or attack another monkey that encroaches on their space.

Horses may display jealousy by trying to push or bite another horse that they perceive as a rival for food or attention. They may also become restless or agitated when they are separated from a companion that they are strongly bonded to. However, it’s important to note that not all aggressive or possessive behavior in horses should be interpreted as jealousy. There may be other factors at play, such as fear or stress.

The best way to describe jealousy in a horse would be the horse being protective and vigilant over its possessions. They would not be jealous of status but will be possessive and protective over their food supplies, space, their herd, and attention from who they perceive provides a lot of their comfort – their main caregiver.

Over the past few decades, there has been growing interest in the study of animal emotions, including those of horses. Scientific studies have investigated equine emotions and social behavior to determine whether horses are capable of experiencing complex emotions such as jealousy.

One study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2017 examined the social relationships between 20 semi-feral ponies and found that horses do form very close social bonds with certain individuals in their herd. This study also found that horses do experience stress and anxiety when separated from their preferred companions, which does suggest that horses may be capable of experiencing emotions such as jealousy or envy.

Another study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in 2013 investigated whether horses could recognize the facial expressions of other horses. The study found that horses were able to distinguish between happy and angry facial expressions and that they were more likely to approach a happy face than an angry one. The ability to recognize and respond to emotional cues is a key component of social behavior and suggests that horses may be capable of experiencing a range of emotions.

However, not all studies have found evidence for equine jealousy. A study published in the journal Behavioural Processes in 2012 examined the behavior of horses in response to social interactions with another horse that had received food rewards. The study found that horses did not display aggressive or possessive behavior in response to the other horse receiving food, suggesting that they may not experience jealousy in the same way that humans do.

Overall, the evidence for horses experiencing jealousy is mixed. While some studies suggest that horses may be capable of experiencing complex emotions such as jealousy, others have not found clear evidence for this. It’s important to note that emotions are complex and can be difficult to study, and it’s possible that horses may experience jealousy or similar emotions in a way that is different from how humans experience it.

my personal experience

Carrick, my first stallion, wasn’t the most affectionate horse. He loved a good scratch in specific spots on his neck or shoulder and would move himself to be scratched in a particular spot over his stable door or when I was in his stable with him – this was our thing. He really did enjoy being ridden and when not being ridden or outside in his paddock he spent much of his time watching the stable yard from his window, observing all the activity. His stall door faced a quiet paddock so he didn’t spend much time there.

I rode every morning and one morning, I decided to ride a young Thoroughbred gelding before riding Carrick, who usually got ridden first. While I tacked up the young horse, I felt Carrick’s eyes on me, watching my every move from his window. After riding the gelding, I noticed Carrick was still there, his gaze intense and unwavering.

A friend riding with me pointed out how Carrick was fixated on me and when I went to tack up Carrick, he was unusually impatient, shifting, and fidgeting which was unlike him. I brought him out of the stable and when I attempted to get on him, he kicked out violently which was very unusual. I reprimanded him with my voice – “Carrick – stop that” and got on him. Once in the saddle, I asked him to walk forward, but he threw his head down and started bucking, actually determined to throw me off. I sat three big bucks but guided him towards some big shaving bags which I thought would stop him, he jumped them though and as he landed bucked which sent me flying off him.

I was stunned. This behavior was completely out of character for Carrick. Despite being a breeding stallion, he had always been a pleasure to ride and had never been difficult or temperamental. It dawned on me that he must have been jealous of me spending time with the other horse before him. His reaction was a powerful reminder of his emotions and needs.

That incident changed my perspective of my horses. I became much more aware of Carrick’s feelings and realised how important it was to respect him as an individual. It taught me a lot about the depth of equine emotions. Horses are complex animals with a wide range of feelings. Understanding and respecting their emotions helps build stronger, more positive relationships with them. Carrick never did this again, he was ridden for many more years after this and never reacted like this, I think mostly because I was so much more aware of his emotions, I made a plan to ride him first and if this was not possible I could close his window.

Jelaousy-related behaviors in horses

Jealousy is an extremely complex emotion that can show itself in many ways in horses. Some behaviors that may be interpreted as jealousy include aggression chasing other horses (or people) away from their favorite companion, and attempting to keep away all other horses from resources.

Horses may become aggressive or agitated when separated from a companion that they have a strong bond with, and will most likely chase away horses that approach their companion. They may also try to stop other horses go near their resources, such as food or water. Certain horses may become depressed or lethargic if they feel that they are not receiving enough attention or affection from their owner or when they are lower down in the herd hierarchy and are not getting enough resource.

While these behaviors can be seen as evidence of jealousy, it’s important to note that there are limitations to using them as definitive proof. One limitation is that horses may display similar behaviors in response to other stimuli, such as fear or stress. For example, a horse may become aggressive toward another horse that approaches their companion, not out of jealousy, but out of a fear that the other horse may harm their friend.

It is most likely that horses do not experience jealousy in the same way that humans do. Horses will have different motivations for their behaviors, and these motivations may not always be related to jealousy or envy. For example, a horse may become aggressive toward another horse that approaches their food not because they are jealous of the other horse, but because they are trying to establish dominance or maintain their position in the herd hierarchy.

comparing jealousy to other horse emotions

Jealousy is just one of the many complex emotions that horses are capable of experiencing. Other emotions that horses are thought to experience include fear, anxiety, contentment, and joy, among others. These emotions are shown by your horse in many different ways, through changes in the way they behave, how they carry themselves and hold their bodies, and through vocalizing what they are feeling.

Fear and anxiety are the two most commonly studied emotions in horses. Horses may experience fear in response to a perceived threat, such as a loud noise or sudden movement. They may display fearful behaviors such as fleeing, freezing, or becoming agitated. Anxiety is a more persistent emotion that may be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as social isolation or confinement. Horses may exhibit anxious behaviors such as restlessness, vocalizations, or a reluctance to move or perform.

Contentment and joy are positive emotions that horses may experience when their needs are being met. Horses that are well-fed, well-rested, and have access to social companionship and freedom of movement are more likely to exhibit behaviors that indicate contentment, such as relaxed posture, grooming behaviors, and positive social interactions.

Understanding equine emotions are important for horse owners and trainers, as it can inform best practices for managing and training horses. For example, by recognizing and addressing fear and anxiety in horses, trainers can create a more positive training experience that helps build the horse’s confidence and trust. By providing horses with access to social companionship, freedom of movement, and other resources that promote well-being, owners can help ensure that their horse is content and healthy.

Furthermore, understanding the complex nature of equine emotions, including jealousy, can help horse owners and trainers to interpret and respond appropriately to their horse’s behavior. By recognizing the limitations of using behavior alone as evidence of jealousy, owners and trainers can avoid misinterpreting their horse’s motivations and provide a more supportive and understanding environment for their horse.

Understanding equine emotions and their complexities, including jealousy, can help inform best practices for managing and training horses. By recognizing and addressing fear, anxiety, and promoting contentment, owners and trainers can create a positive and supportive environment for their horse that promotes well-being and a strong bond between the horse and human.

the implications of horses feeling jealousy

If horses do feel jealous there are important implications for their care and handling. An example is if you separate your horse from its favorite herd mate, it may make them become agitated or display aggressive behaviors toward other horses or humans. This behavior could be considered as simply “bad behavior” rather than your horse being jealous and missing its favorite friend. In that case, it may lead to inappropriate punishment or neglect of the horse’s emotional needs.

If horses are capable of experiencing jealousy, it is important to ensure that their social needs are being met. Horses are social animals that require interaction with other horses for their physical and mental well-being. If horses are deprived of this social interaction, it can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased physical health, increased stress, and the development of abnormal behaviors.

Knowledge of equine emotions, including jealousy, can help improve equine welfare by allowing horse owners and trainers to better understand and respond to their horse’s needs. For example, by recognizing the signs of jealousy and taking steps to address the underlying cause, such as providing the horse with increased social interaction, owners can help ensure that their horse is emotionally fulfilled and happy.

Additionally, understanding the complex nature of equine emotions can help prevent negative training experiences that may lead to fear or anxiety. By creating a positive and supportive environment for the horse, owners and trainers can help ensure that the horse is comfortable and responsive during training sessions.

If horses are capable of feeling jealousy, it has important implications for their care and handling. By recognizing and responding appropriately to their emotional needs, horse owners and trainers can promote equine welfare and prevent negative outcomes such as stress, abnormal behavior, and decreased physical health. Understanding equine emotions can also help prevent negative training experiences that may lead to fear or anxiety, promoting a positive and trusting relationship between the horse and human.

Secondary emotions

Scientists agree that studies show that animals share the primary emotions that humans have such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear but they do not agree that they feel secondary emotions like pride, guilt, shame, and jealousy. These emotions need self-reflection consciousness of one’s self and an understanding of the intentions of others and were not thought to be possible, these were thought to be only a human or primate trait.

scientific study

There was a scientific study done at the University of San Diego that showed that dogs definitely showed jealousy when their owners paid attention and showed affection to a real-looking stuffed dog, even the most skeptical scientist had to admit that the dogs were most definitely jealous of the stuffed dog. They pushed and nosed themselves in between the stuffed dog and their owners, with some even attacking the potential interloper.

This behavior was significantly reduced when the dog owners were not paying any attention to the stuffed toy and were going about their normal day-to-day business. The dogs would happily sleep near their owners.

Harris and Proust argue that this behavior has evolved in social species with multiple dependent young (like dogs) who need to compete for protection, food, and affection from their mothers. Jealousy might also arise in animals that need cooperation from other group members for survival (such as horses).

Do wild horses show jealousy?

Watching wild horses interact shows that they do show traits like jealousy. Certain mares are very possessive of their stallion and their hierarchal position in their herd. Herd life is full of power struggles where horses vie for the attention of the lead mare or the stallion in control of the herd. Stallions are known to kill foals that are not by them – is this not a sign of jealousy?

are horses jealous or resource-guarding

What we may see in horses as human-like jealousy could be the essential life-saving action guarding food, water, and safety in the herd. Horses showing jealousy over their human could be a primitive way of them protecting what they perceive as their resource – ie the human who provides them with food and safety.

emotionally Attached

Researchers claim that jealousy is a manifestation of attachment-related anxiety. Horses most definitely experience separation anxiety from humans as we are their source of food and shelter. They also can look towards us for safety and protection in times of perceived danger and turn to us for support when unsure of a situation they find themselves in.

The more we are their sense of security the more they will display signs of jealousy.

Signs of jealousy

• Chasing other horses away from their owner or food.
• Showing attention seeking behavior like banging on their doors when they see their owners or when their owners are paying attention to other horses.
• Calling out to you when they see you paying attention to other horses.
• Out of character moving away from their owner and not allowing their owner to catch them.
• Attacking nearby horses and chasing them away from you.

These are all signs that your horse is experiencing jealousy and is possessive of you. This is not a desired trait as much as it may make you feel like your horse loves you if he behaves like this. This behavior can end up with someone hurt – be it another horse, your horse, or yourself.

How to deal with jealousy

• Spend equal time with your horses when you see one is feeling neglected.
• If you cannot ride one of your horses spend time on the ground with them by grooming them.
• Know where your horse is in the pecking order in their herd, the dominant horse will be expecting first dibs on food and attention so respect this, it is the natural order of the herd.
• The jealousy can often settle down over some time once the jealous horse realizes that all his resources are safe and that the new horse is not taking all the potential resources.
• Find out if it is you that the horse is jealous over, does your horse act the same way when you are not there?

Conclusion

While there is no scientific proof that a horse feels jealousy most horse owners who have a close relationship with their horse, especially owners who are responsible for all their horse’s care will say they have seen their horse showing signs of jealousy.

As much as this display of jealousy can make the horse owner feel that their horse is showing signs of love for them, the behavior some horses will show should not be encouraged as this behavior can lead to accidents and horses or you getting hurt.

It is fascinating to read about how horses can read our emotions just as we have to be in touch with theirs: Can horses recognize human emotions

Additional Resources

Books:

• The Horse Behavior Problem Solver by Jessica Jahiel
• Understanding Equine Behavior by Sue McDonnell
• The Nature of Horses by Stephen Budiansky

Articles and Studies:

• “Equine Emotions and Human Interactions” – Journal of Equine Science
• “The Effects of Social Relationships on Equine Behavior” – Applied Animal Behaviour Science
• “Managing Horse Jealousy: Practical Tips and Techniques” – Horse & Rider Magazine

Professional Organizations:

• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) – www.aaep.org
• The British Horse Society (BHS) – www.bhs.org.uk
• Equine Behavioral Health Resource Center – www.ebhrc.com