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Horses Sense Human Fear, Alter Behavior Accordingly

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A new study finds horses detect human fear through scent, altering their behavior toward handlers.
Horses exposed to sweat from horror-film watchers startled more and avoided handlers more than those exposed to joyful scents.
The study appears in PLOS One and suggests emotional signals cross species boundaries.
Lead author Plotine Jardat notes a handler's emotional state affects horse interactions.

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Story summary

A new study finds horses detect human fear through scent, altering their behavior toward handlers.
Horses exposed to sweat from horror-film watchers startled more and avoided handlers more than those exposed to joyful scents.
The study appears in PLOS One and suggests emotional signals cross species boundaries.
Lead author Plotine Jardat notes a handler's emotional state affects horse interactions.