Core Insights - The article discusses a study published in the American journal PLOS, indicating that horses can detect human fear through smell, which influences their behavior and physiological responses [1][3]. Group 1: Study Findings - A French research institution conducted an experiment where volunteers wore cotton pads under their armpits while watching horror films and pleasant content, then the pads were presented to 43 mares [1]. - The results showed that horses exposed to the scent of sweat from individuals who watched horror films were more easily startled by sudden movements and exhibited increased vigilance, becoming less willing to approach humans [1][3]. - Different scents also affected the horses' physiological responses; their heart rates increased and behavior became more agitated when exposed to the scent of fear, while scents from pleasant scenarios resulted in normal physiological responses [3]. Group 2: Implications for Human-Horse Interaction - The findings suggest a new research direction, indicating that horses may use chemical signals from sweat to assess potential threats from humans, demonstrating that emotional signals can be transmitted across species [3]. - The study emphasizes the importance for individuals who frequently interact with horses to be aware of their emotional states, as feelings of tension or fear can lead to negative reactions from the horses [3]. - Maintaining a calm and positive emotional state is beneficial for communication between humans and horses, potentially reducing the horses' anxiety and fear responses [3].