Behavioral Laterality and Facial Hair Whorls in Horses

This pilot study tested for an association between facial hair whorl characteristics and behavioral responses to a fearful stimulus in horses. Nineteen riding horses were categorized based on hair whorl characteristics (height, lateral location, and rotation). Each horse was subjected to a novel object test where an umbrella was suddenly opened. The turning response was recorded. Hair whorl rotation showed a correlation with turning response with P = .04. Clockwise hair whorls were associated with turning to the right and counterclockwise hair whorls with turning to the left. There were no significant correlations between hair whorl lateral location or height and direction turned (P > .05). In conclusion, facial hair whorls may be used as a noninvasive method to predict turning response in horses.