Why the long face? Horses use facial expressions to communicate

New research has shown how horses use their faces to communicate emotions - not only to each other but also with other species, like humans.

It's not the first time facial expressions in horses have been studied but researchers from the University of Portsmouth looked at horses in situations that were natural, rather than created by humans like in previous studies.

Researchers made a list of 805 different facial displays across 22 behaviours.

Dr Leanne Proops from the university said the research "opens up new possibilities for understanding equine emotions and improving welfare."

The study shows horses use different facials cues in different situations.

Aggression is shown by flattening the ears which face backwards, the inner brow rises, nostrils will flare and they will lower their heads.

When a horse is alert or curious their ears will face forwards and slightly inwards and they will blink more often.

When they're being friendly, horses are usually neutral which means there's no obvious facial expression to show this emotion.

A playful horse will show lots of facial movements including a raised chin, parted lips, open mouths and rotated flattened ears.

Dr Proops said the research is a "game-changer for anyone working with horses".

She said: "It gives us a new lens through which to view and interpret their behaviour, ultimately leading to better care and stronger human-animal relationships."