The Effect, If Any, of Music on Horse Behaviour by Sylvia Arnold, 2000

The Effect, If Any, of Music on Horse Behaviour

by Sylvia Arnold, 2000

Sylvia Arnold investigates whether playing music during grooming affects horses’ behaviour and heart rates. Six horses were observed while listening to a soft classical piece, contrasting upbeat music and no music, allowing their physical and behavioural responses to be compared.

Project abstract

This Horse Psychology Project investigates whether music can influence equine behaviour and whether different styles of music produce different responses. Six horses of varying ages, breeds and temperaments participated: Gemma, Kahnie, Fudge, Nina, Chelsi and Alma.

Each horse was groomed in its normal environment while experiencing three conditions: no music, Mozart’s Tempo di Menuetto, and the faster, more heavily rhythmic Swamp Thing by The Grid. The order was varied between horses to reduce the possibility that their reactions resulted simply from becoming accustomed to music. Heart rates were recorded using a Polar monitor, alongside observations of posture, movement, facial expression, muscle tension and attention.

Across the six horses, the upbeat music produced the highest overall average and maximum heart rates. It was also associated with more alert, tense or agitated behaviour. Mozart produced an overall average heart rate similar to the no-music condition, but appeared to encourage greater relaxation in some individuals, particularly Kahnie and Fudge. Alma appeared to prefer silence.

An additional observation involving Fudge examined whether Mozart reduced his anxiety when separated from his companion, Nina. The results were not conclusive, although Sylvia believed he appeared calmer by the end of the session than during previous separations.

The project concludes that music can affect horses, but responses vary between individuals. It also highlights that outward behaviour and heart rate do not always correspond. Sylvia recommends further investigation using more horses and tighter controls before drawing broader conclusions.