A study has investigated whether there is a difference in how horses behave when they are in the company of women and men. The result showed that there is indeed a difference. Horses that are regularly handled or ridden by men tend to be more difficult to catch in the field. However, during riding, the horses are apparently easier to handle when in male hands.

Behavior changes based on experiences

According to the researchers of the study, this does not mean that men are better or worse horse people than women. In short, horses recognize differences between the genders and adjust their behavior accordingly, most likely based on past experiences with men and women.

Kate Fenner from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney states:

"It is interesting that horses can recognize the difference and link it to previous experiences with men and women. This underlines that horses are products of their past training and experiences. This information can help us be proactive in their further training."

Horses adapt their behavior based on past experiences with women and men. Photo: Archive

The study found, among other things, that horses spending most of their time in male company display more reluctant behavior and body language, indicating they do not wish to be handled. According to Kate Fenner, this may mean that men have a different approach to their horses than women. And horses take this into consideration when in the company of people.

Furthermore, it was revealed that horses ridden by women pull more on the reins and toss their heads more during riding.

The horse reacts differently to male and female riders. Photo: Archive

"This suggests that horses feel a bit more confident about what male riders want. Perhaps because men are quicker to correct unwanted behavior," says Kate Fenner. However, she also notes that these horses generally seem to lack social trust in people when things are conducted from the ground. Here, horses are more likely to walk away or be difficult to catch.

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The Horse's Behavior is Our Responsibility

The study's results can serve as a reminder to us that horses have past experiences that we need to keep in mind when training them.

"If you buy a horse from another person, it is worth remembering that there is a difference between male and female riders. And that this can affect your new horse," says Kate Fenner.

The study also emphasizes that horses are neither lazy nor reluctant. They simply react to past experiences, trying to avoid bad ones.

"Everything we learn about how our behavior - as riders or instructors, as women or men - affects the horse, reminds us that the horse's behavior is our responsibility. It is a result of what we have done, and what the horse expects us to do. We must ensure that our horses succeed. That their experiences are so positive that they want to be handled and trained by us," concludes Kate Fenner.

Source

The Horse: Study: Horses Act Differently With Male and Female Handlers