Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph, and her master student Haley Belliveau haver undertaken fascinating research to help us better understand the meaning behind some equine vocalisations, whinnies.
With an online survey, the survey participants categorized 32 equine whinny audio samples as either negative, positive, calm or excited.
Being equipped with this knowledge by recognizing the difference and then being able to act on this information is likely to have positive equine welfare outcomes in regards to how we manage & interact with horses.
“Different whinnies can also communicate the size, sex and social status of the caller. That whinny will tell them information, whether it’s a male or female horse, how large they are, probably whether they’re immature, young or older.” Merkies explained.
Comments