Researchers in South Korea have found that a horse's temperament is directly tied to the levels of oxytocin and serotonin in his blood. They suggest that the levels of these hormones could be used to monitor the dominance, fearfulness, and trainability of horses. Oxytocin concentration in the blood is positively correlated with equine friendliness and docility toward humans.
Lead by Dr. Kim Junyoung, the study team tested the blood of 34 horses for oxytocin and serotonin. The trainability, fearfulness, and dominance of each horse was then scored by three professors familiar with the horses.
The researchers concluded that a high concentration of oxytocin reduces fearfulness and can make a horse more trainable. The research team suggests additional studies be completed to determine the effects on a horse's temperament when being treated with the hormone.
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