Love

Riding around today and after a few poor decisions jumping (whoops, fell out of rhythm between jumps), I thought why does my horse continue on to the next jump and not just unload me?  Does he like me?

I ask the same thing when I show up at the barn calling his name, his ears perk up, and he walks over. On a good day he may even neigh (those days make me smile)!  Again, I wonder, does he like me?

I do think horse's will like a person, may even "chose" a person.  It's not just an animal and an owner, it's a relationship.  Scientific studies at the University of Sussex has shown that horses create mental pictures of key humans in their lives.  Horses first identify these key humans through their voice. Once the horse hears the human's voice, they are able to form a mental image of that individual.

Most horse owners don't need to be told that their horses recognize them, but some may need a little convincing that your horse may actual love them.  The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness found that animals are capable of experiencing human emotions.  Animals have neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological conscious states, like humans, which may allow them to feel emotions.  This list includes all mammals, birds, and octopus (probably not going to get one of those anytime soon).  It is likely over time, you horse may learn to be attached to you and have feelings toward you.

So yes, HE DOES LOVE ME!!! YAY!  :)

As a last thought, if all mammals are capable of experiencing some level of "human" emotion, it makes you think twice about eating a burger doesn't it?