16/10/2026
Could horses tell us whether they want a blanket?
In a Norwegian study, 23 horses learned to touch symbols for “blanket on,” “blanket off” or “no change.” All 23 learned the task within 14 training days.
The researchers then tested choices in different weather with 22 horses. On dry summer days, all 22 signalled that they wanted to be without a blanket. In persistent rain, wind and chilly weather, 20 of the 22 signalled for a blanket-on state. Some asked for a blanket; those already wearing one chose to keep it on.
This small study doesn’t set a blanket rule for every horse. All the horses were already familiar with wearing blankets. But it shows that, with training, horses can communicate a preference.
Would you give your horse that choice?
Study: Mejdell et al., Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2016)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.07.014 #
