Measuring emotional contagion in Horse-Human interactions: A systematic scoping review of methods and outcomes.
Authors: Tripon Mirela Alexandra, Manolăchescu Dan, Papuc Ionel, Daradics Zsofia, Crecan Cristian Mihăiță
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Measuring Emotional Contagion in Horse-Human Interactions Emotional contagion—the transfer of emotional states between horse and handler—fundamentally shapes training outcomes, therapeutic efficacy, and animal welfare, yet the field has lacked standardised measurement protocols. Tripon and colleagues conducted a systematic scoping review of 104 peer-reviewed studies drawn from five major databases to map which assessment methods were being used and what they revealed about this phenomenon. Body language dominated the behavioural measures (73.1% of studies), whilst heart rate (49%) and heart rate variability (30.8%) were the preferred physiological markers; cortisol assessment remained underutilised despite its relevance to stress responses. The most informative findings emerged from multimodal approaches combining body language with either heart rate or HRV, yet significant methodological heterogeneity prevented meaningful comparison between studies. For practitioners seeking to refine horsemanship and optimise equine welfare during training or therapeutic work, this review highlights both an emerging evidence base and a critical gap: whilst we have tools to measure emotional contagion, their inconsistent application limits our ability to translate research into reliable practice guidelines, suggesting that investment in standardised frameworks and integrated monitoring systems—potentially incorporating wearable technology—would substantially strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor both body language changes and heart rate responses in horses during training and therapy to gain comprehensive understanding of emotional states and human-horse emotional transfer
- •Recognize that body language alone, while commonly assessed, provides incomplete data—combining it with physiological measures like HRV gives you more reliable information about your horse's actual emotional responses
- •Expect further improvements in monitoring technology; adopt standardized assessment approaches now to ensure your observations are comparable with emerging evidence-based practices and to track meaningful changes in your horses
Key Findings
- •Body language was the most frequently used behavioral measure (73.1%) for assessing emotional contagion in horse-human interactions
- •Heart rate (49%) and heart rate variability (30.8%) dominated physiological assessments, while cortisol was less commonly used
- •Combined behavioral and physiological methods, particularly body language with heart rate or HRV, provided more robust insights than single-method approaches
- •Significant methodological inconsistencies and lack of standardized frameworks limit comparability across the 104 studies reviewed