How researchers can learn if a horse is depressed

It may look like a novelty computer game for horses but researchers believe this test could help identify stress, sleeping problems or even depression in horses.

Aberystwyth University is developing a method using touch screens adapted to horses noses.

And the results could prove enlightening.

“If you’re getting neurophysiological changes that are maybe to do with stress or depression or sleep disturbance, then this is a great way of being able to quantify all of that,” said lead researcher Dr Sebastian McBride.

The study could have implications for how horses are cared for, and kept in stables.

Edited by Tink Llewellyn