In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the important and complex topic of recognizing and understanding horse emotions. Dr. Mortensen shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how horses experience emotions like separation anxiety and happiness, emphasizing the value of observing their body language, facial expressions, and behavior.
The episode emphasizes the importance of a calm, relaxed demeanor when dealing with horses and how their interaction with humans and their environment affects their emotional well-being. Further, the episode delves into current research studies around equine perceptions of human emotions and owner perceptions of horse happiness.
The discussion stresses the importance of good horse management practices and the role of the owner in enhancing their horse's happiness.
 
00:00 Introduction: Do Animals Have Emotion?
00:29 Personal Story: The Emotional Bond Between Horses
04:07 Understanding Animal Emotions: A Scientific Perspective
04:38 The Complexity of Animal Emotions and Anthropomorphism
12:00 The Evolution of Social Bonds in Horses
15:45 Reading a Horse's Body Language
28:00 The Role of Vocalizations in Expressing Happiness
29:16 The Importance of Healthy Social Relationships for Horse Happiness
36:20 Owner Perception of Horse Happiness
43:20 Conclusion: Making Your Horse Happier
 
Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.
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