Horses have been discovered to be more intelligent than previously believed, according to researchers. A recent study conducted by scientists at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) revealed surprising findings about the cognitive abilities of these animals. The study involved a complex reward-based game in which horses demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills and adaptability.
During the study, horses were presented with a series of tasks that required them to touch a piece of card with their nose to receive a treat. As the tasks became more challenging, the horses were able to quickly adjust their strategies in order to maximize their rewards. This ability to think and plan ahead indicates a level of cognitive sophistication that was not previously attributed to horses.
Dr. Carrie Ijichi, a senior lecturer in equine science at NTU, emphasized that horses are not merely average animals, but rather possess a higher level of cognitive prowess than commonly assumed. The results of the study challenge the notion that horses are not particularly intelligent creatures.
In one stage of the game, a light was introduced, and the horses were required to touch the card only when the light was switched off to receive a treat. Despite initial confusion, the horses quickly learned to associate the presence of the light with the availability of the reward. This demonstrated their ability to learn from their environment and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Furthermore, when a penalty was introduced for incorrect responses in the final stage of the game, the horses displayed a remarkable level of understanding and engagement with the rules. Rather than making random attempts, the horses carefully timed their actions to avoid the penalty and receive their treats. This level of precision and comprehension indicates a high level of cognitive function.
Louise Evans, a PhD candidate involved in the study, highlighted the horses’ ability to rapidly learn and apply new information without the need for repeated attempts. This suggests that the horses were able to grasp the rules of the game from the outset, showcasing their intelligence and adaptability.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, shedding light on the remarkable cognitive abilities of horses. This research not only deepens our understanding of these animals but also challenges traditional perceptions of their intelligence. Horses are not only capable of complex problem-solving and learning but also possess the ability to think and plan ahead, marking them as highly intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom.
