Scientific American spoke with Sue McDonnell, an equine behavioural scientist at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. and Sarah King, a behavioural ecologist at Colorado State University, who specializes in horses and other equids, to highlight some of the most interesting science around these animals.
In a FREE virtual program, an interdisciplinary panel of professionals, emerging scholars and artists will present new research examining the history of human-horse interaction as expressed in textiles. The program is scheduled for 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EST on February 26-27, 2026. Reserve your space!
I love reading about efforts like this. Jason Moody began at Best Friends Animal Society with four large dumpsters full of horse manure slated for the landfill. “I came in and observed the local ecosystem here and saw sandy, bare soil that needed carbon. I wondered what we could do to repair it, to add…
Despite the routine use of rugs (blankets), few studies have examined how horses behave with and without rugs in such conditions—until now.
The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve is again partnering with Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Foundation for Shackleford Horses Inc. to offer the Pony Patrol volunteer program. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be physically able to walk the islands in…
The modern equine industry often defaults to solitary stabling, with horses confined to boxes for long periods. Though traditional stabling provides perceived benefits (ease of feeding, monitoring, and injury prevention), it overlooks a critical fact: Horses are inherently social animals. This dissonance between biology and management has consequences. This article explores the science behind horse…
An exhibition titled “Year of the Horse, 2026: Galloping into Eternity,” planned by the Cultural Heritage Administration, opened on Jan. 9 at The Heritage of Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch in central Seoul, marking the Year of the Horse in 2026. The exhibition explores the cultural and historical significance of horses from ancient times to…
This online course is FREE until March 31, 2026! This course may be of interest for: Young horse enthusiasts (aged 13-17) who are taking on more responsibilities for horse care, or are currently taking riding lessons, and want to learn more about horse behaviour and safety Young horse enthusiasts who are interested in a career…
Animal behavior researchers examined the facial expressions of horses when they were being led towards a bucket of feed and allowed to eat. They were also shown the bucket of feed and then prevented from eating it. In the positive situation, horses had a lower neck position, their ears forward, and their upper lip extended…
Imagine a robot that refuses to cooperate when you’re anxious, demanding you calm down before it responds—much like a 2,000-pound therapy horse that won’t budge until you get your emotions in check. New research suggests this counterintuitive approach could revolutionize therapeutic robotics by creating machines that challenge users rather than simply comfort them.