SELF MASTERY

The Stress Hormone and the Bonding Hormone in Your Relationship with the Horse

When we interact with horses, it’s not just about applying physical techniques; our emotional state plays a decisive role. Two hormones become silent protagonists in this dynamic: cortisol and oxytocin.

Cortisol, commonly referred to as the stress hormone, acts as an invisible disruptor. If we approach the horse carrying the tensions of the day traffic, worries, an argument the horse doesn’t understand the cause, but it does receive the message: the environment is no longer calm or safe. It perceives this as a warning, even if it can’t identify the source.

In contrast, oxytocin associated with affection and social bonding is the one we want to promote. When we come close with calmness, tenderness, and mindful presence, we generate an internal state the horse perceives as safe. That serenity is transmitted through our energy, and the horse, sensing it, relaxes and begins to open up with greater trust.

Other hormones also play a part, such as adrenaline, which is linked to alertness, and endorphins, which are related to well being. However, focusing on lowering cortisol and stimulating oxytocin is a clear and effective strategy for building a strong bond with the horse.

Before beginning any exercise, remember: your body and mind are constantly sending signals that the horse interprets with precision. Cultivating an inner state of calm not only improves communication but allows trust and harmony to flourish in your relationship.

Can Horses Smell Human Hormones like Cortisol and Oxytocin?

Neurobiological and Ethological Summary

A horse's sense of smell is exceptionally well developed. In addition to the traditional olfactory system, they have a vomeronasal organ (also called Jacobson’s organ), which enables them to detect pheromones and subtle chemical compounds found in human secretions such as sweat, saliva, and tears.

Can They Detect Cortisol or Oxytocin Directly?

Cortisol is released into the blood, saliva, and sweat during stressful situations. While horses don’t detect this hormone as a free floating molecule in the air, they do respond to secondary compounds associated with it such as those found in the sweat of a stressed person. This has been demonstrated in various studies: when exposed to the body scent of someone with high stress levels, horses often show signs of restlessness, heightened alertness, or even avoidance behaviors.

As for oxytocin, there is no direct evidence that horses can smell it. However, they do perceive its effects: open posture, soft tone of voice, coherent body language, and stable emotional energy. These cues are interpreted as safe and affectionate, and horses tend to respond with relaxed, curious, and socially engaged behavior.

Moreover, when someone is under the influence of oxytocin, their presence tends to become smoother, movements more rhythmic, and attention more attuned. Horses pick up on all of these subtle signals, even if they don’t understand the underlying physiology.

Scientific Evidence

In Equine Behavior, Paul McGreevy highlights that horses clearly respond to human nonverbal cues, including olfactory signals linked to hormonal changes.

Furthermore, modern equestrian science describes how horses interpret human emotional states through multiple channels: body scent, microexpressions, muscle tension, and voice tone. Recent studies on interspecies communication support this view, showing that horses can differentiate between human emotions based on volatile compounds released during stress or calm states.

Neuroethological Conclusion

Although there is no direct evidence that horses can detect cortisol or oxytocin as isolated molecules, they are extraordinarily sensitive to the complex chemical and behavioral cues that reflect our inner states. In practice, this means that horses respond to our emotions indirectly but with remarkable accuracy.

Therefore, it’s essential to take care of our mental and emotional state before interacting with them. A deep connection with a horse is not built through technique alone, but through subtle sensory signals that reveal who we are in that moment.

Being aware of this is the first step toward truly conscious, empathetic, and transformative horsemanship.

Isaac Ares 💚💚