LONDON HORSES OUTSMART RESEARCHERS WITH TREAT-BASED GAME
In a surprising turn of events, researchers have discovered that horses are not only capable of learning but can also strategize when the reward is worth it. A new study conducted by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has shed light on the intelligence of horses, debunking previous beliefs that their brains are only reactive to immediate stimuli.
The study, which involved 20 horses, introduced a treat-based game with changing rules. Initially, the horses were rewarded for touching a piece of card with their nose. But as the rules evolved to include a “stop light” and a penalty of a 10-second timeout, the horses quickly adapted their behavior to maximize their rewards.
Lead researcher Louise Evans expressed surprise at how rapidly the horses adjusted to the changing rules, indicating a level of cognitive understanding that was previously underestimated. The findings of the study could revolutionize horse training techniques, leading to more humane methods and better welfare for the animals.
Dr. Carrie Ijichi, a senior equine researcher at NTU, emphasized the importance of not underestimating animal intelligence based on preconceived notions. The study, published in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal, highlights the advanced cognitive abilities of horses and challenges traditional views of animal sentience.
“This teaches us that we shouldn’t make assumptions about animal intelligence or sentience based on whether they are ‘built’ just like us,” Dr. Ijichi concluded. — BBC
