Imagine this: A horse walking up to a board, carefully selecting a symbol with its muzzle to communicate whether it wants to wear a blanket.
Far-fetched? Not at all.
Scientists in Norway have successfully trained horses to communicate with humans using simple symbols, and the results are groundbreaking.
In the study, the horses demonstrated the ability to make choices that aligned with the weather outside.
When it was cold and wet, they “asked” to wear their blankets. When the sun was shining, they opted to go without.
This wasn’t random behavior—this was evidence of intentional communication.
This discovery places horses in an elite group of animals, including dolphins, pigeons, and apes, capable of using symbols to interact with humans.
And while we’ve long appreciated horses for their physical abilities and companionship, this study challenges us to rethink their cognitive and communicative potential.
Lead researcher Cecilie Mejdell, from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, put it best: “Horses are often considered to be not very intelligent, but this shows that using the right methods, they can actually communicate and express their opinions.
They can take choices that seem sensible to us.”
But how exactly did they train horses to do this? And what does it mean for our understanding of animal intelligence and welfare? Let’s dig in.
Training Horses to Communicate
To carry out the study, researchers worked with 23 horses of various breeds, using a simple yet effective method: positive reinforcement.
Carrots were the key incentive.
The first step was straightforward—getting the horses to approach a board and touch it with their muzzles.
Once they were comfortable with this action, the team introduced three symbols:
- A horizontal bar meant the horse wanted its blanket on.
- A vertical bar signified it wanted the blanket off.
- A blank symbol indicated no change was needed.
The training sessions lasted just 10 to 15 minutes a day over two weeks. By the end of the training period, all 23 horses could reliably use the symbols to communicate their preferences.
But here’s where it gets interesting: The horses didn’t just point to symbols randomly.
Their choices matched the weather conditions. cold, rainy days, they asked for their blankets. On warm, sunny days, they opted out.
This suggests that the horses weren’t just following instructions—they were making informed, intentional decisions.
Are Horses Smarter Than We Think?
For centuries, horses have been seen as noble but simple creatures.
They’re loyal companions, skilled athletes, and essential partners in countless human endeavors.
But when it comes to intelligence, they’ve often been underestimated—especially compared to animals like dogs or primates.
This study challenges that assumption.
Horses didn’t just learn to associate symbols with outcomes; they used this knowledge to communicate their preferences based on environmental conditions.
This is a level of cognitive flexibility and problem-solving ability that we don’t typically attribute to horses.
And it’s not the first time they’ve surprised us.
Earlier research has shown that horses can read human facial expressions, distinguishing between positive and negative emotions.
According to Amy Smith, from the University of Sussex, “We have known for a long time that horses are a socially sophisticated species, but this is the first time we have seen that they can distinguish between positive and negative human facial expressions.”
It’s becoming clear that horses are far more perceptive and intelligent than we’ve given them credit for.
What This Means for Animal Welfare
Beyond the novelty of horses using symbols to “talk,” this research has profound implications for animal welfare.
For one, it gives us a glimpse into how horses think and feel.
By training horses to communicate their needs, we can improve their quality of life, ensuring they’re more comfortable and better cared for.
For example, a horse that’s too hot or cold can now “tell” its owner, reducing stress and discomfort.
But this isn’t just about blankets.
The same method could be adapted to other aspects of equine care.
Horses could potentially communicate about their health, their food preferences, or even their emotional states.
And the best part? This isn’t something limited to laboratories.
The researchers believe that ordinary horse owners can train their horses to use symbols, opening up new possibilities for communication and bonding.
“This is a really interesting and innovative study that has conceived a very novel way of getting at what is going on in the mind of the horse,” said Karen McComb, professor of animal behavior and cognition at the University of Sussex.
How Does This Compare to Other Animals?
Horses now join a select group of animals that can communicate with humans using symbols. Let’s take a quick look at their peers:
- Dolphins: Known for their intelligence, dolphins have been trained to use symbols to request objects or actions.
- Apes: Chimpanzees and bonobos, like the famous Koko the gorilla, have used sign language and symbol boards to express themselves.
- Pigeons: Though often overlooked, pigeons have demonstrated the ability to understand and use symbols in experiments.
Each of these species has unique cognitive abilities, and now horses are proving they belong in this remarkable lineup.
What Makes Horses Unique?
While many animals show intelligence, horses are unique because of their long history with humans.
Domesticated over 5,000 years ago, they’ve been our partners in work, war, and leisure.
Yet, until recently, their communicative abilities have been largely ignored by science.
This study shines a light on what horse enthusiasts have long suspected: Horses are deeply perceptive creatures with the ability to learn, adapt, and connect with humans on a cognitive level.
How You Can Train Your Horse to Communicate
The researchers behind this study are optimistic that the techniques they used can be applied by regular horse owners. Here’s how you can get started:
- Start Simple
Use a board and introduce one symbol at a time. Begin by encouraging your horse to touch the board with its muzzle. - Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your horse with treats or praise every time it interacts with the board. - Associate Symbols with Actions
Teach your horse to associate specific symbols with outcomes (e.g., wearing a blanket, removing a blanket, or leaving things as they are). - Be Patient
Training takes time and consistency. Start with short sessions and gradually increase complexity as your horse learns.
Horses Are Smarter Than We Knew
This study is more than a quirky experiment—it’s a revelation about the intelligence and communicative abilities of horses.
It challenges long-held assumptions and opens up exciting possibilities for how we interact with these incredible animals.
From reading human emotions to using symbols to express their own needs, horses are proving to be more than just majestic creatures—they’re intelligent beings capable of meaningful communication.
As we continue to uncover the depth of their cognition, one thing is clear: Our bond with horses is about to get even deeper.
Would you train your horse to communicate? Let us know in the comments!
