Horses Show Strategic Intelligence in New Study

A recent study at Nottingham Trent University revealed that horses possess advanced cognitive abilities, as demonstrated by their strategic thinking and adaptability in a treat-based game with changing rules. Lead researcher Louise Evans highlighted the horses' ability to plan ahead, avoiding penalties by touching a card only when a 'stop light' was off.

This challenges traditional views on equine intelligence, suggesting that horses are capable of higher-level cognitive processes than previously believed. The findings could have positive implications for horse welfare and training methods, providing new insights into the depth of their cognitive abilities.