University Centre Askham Bryan Research Reveals Key Link Between Horse Personality and Emotional Wellbeing

Staff from University Centre Askham Bryan (UCAB) have had a equine paper published on a leading online science journal, Nature.com.

Co-written by UCAB staff, Loni Loftus and Amy Newman, and Newcastle University staff, Matthew Leach and Lucy Asher, the paper explores ‘The induction and measurement of positive affective state in equines through a personality-centred lens’.

This exploration of this subject area relates to the increasing focus on how to induce and measure a positive affective state in animals, as well as the development of social licenses to operate within equine.

The study aims to promote a range of methods to induce and measure the positive affect in horses within real-world settings, to try and accurately measure the affect this impact could make not only on just equines globally but significantly enhancing their welfare.

Research and measuring the positive affect in animals rarely considers the personality, but this study underscores its importance and has added to the knowledge within this area in the field.

The data sourced for the study was collected onsite at UCAB by former Masters of Science student Amy Newman (now a member of staff), and her supervisor Loni Loftus, demonstrating the progression of students studying at university level.

Loni Loftus, Postgraduate Lecturer at University Centre Askham Bryan said: “To have a paper published in such a well respected journal is a fantastic achievement and showcases the depth and breadth of research being undertaken at UCAB as well as the strong collaborative links with other institutions.”

This research project is just one of many projects that have taken place at UCAB, to view more of the innovative research taking place click here.