The Sense of Humor in Non-Human Animals: Laughter or Amusement?

While the idea of non-human animals laughing might seem farfetched, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests certain species exhibit behavior that closely resembles human laughter and amusement. In this article, we will explore the curious examples of humor and amusement demonstrated by horses, often viewed as the gentle giants of the equine world.

Understanding Humor in Non-Human Species

Laughter is a complex physiological and psychological response often associated with amusement. In humans, it can be triggered by a wide range of stimuli ranging from jokes to physical play. Similarly, animals can experience a form of delight or amusement, which may be expressed through behaviors that are seen as playful or humorous.

Observing Humor in Horses

Through the experiences of animal owners and handlers, several instances of humor and playful behavior have been documented in horses. One such example involves a gelding named Buddy, who was known for his playful nature.

Buddy had a unique sense of humor that manifested in a seemingly targeted and consistent manner. Buddy would often sneak up on another horse called Gray, who was known for being wary and easily startled. Gray had a hard time adjusting to being the lead horse in a trail ride, a position that added to his anxiety and stress.

Buddy, on the other hand, was a big, goofy gelding who found the constant drama around Gray amusing. Buddy had recently been clipped, which left him with a set of long, rigid whiskers on his muzzle. He would extend his head and neck to gently poke Gray on the croup with these whiskers, causing Gray to react with fear andohonement. The rider accompanying Gray would often squeal in surprise, and Buddy would smirk at their reaction.

This sequence of events would repeat multiple times, each time invoking a similar response from Gray. Buddy would wait for an opportune moment when Gray was distracted and repeat the action. This behavior continued until eventually, the duo stopped riding together or they decided to abandon their attempts to make Gray a lead horse.

Moral of the Story: Wait for the Laugh!

What made this sequence of events amusing was not just the repetition of the behavior but also the clear amusement evident on Buddy’s face. Each time Gray would react, Buddy would seem to take pleasure in his own cleverness. Similarly, when my other horse, a playful mare named Fluffy, would wait for me to turn my back and snatch my hair scrunchie before throwing it into another stall, her expression of innocent mischief and the shared giggle afterward were unmistakable.

Fluffy’s antics, although not playful in the same intentional manner as Buddy, still demonstrated a sense of amusement and a form of humor. She would also steal my brushes and hide them in her feeder or under her hay, leading to moments of surprise and amusement.

Conclusion: Amusement Beyond Laughter

While these horses did not exhibit traditional human laughter, their behaviors certainly suggest an understanding and expression of amusement. Whether through intentionally playing pranks or simply reacting to stimuli in a way that brings them joy, they demonstrate a depth of emotional cognition that goes beyond mere survival instincts.

These instances not only shed light on the complexity of equine behavior but also highlight the potential for humor and playfulness in other non-human animals. Understanding these behaviors can enhance our interactions with animals and foster deeper relationships with them. By recognizing and appreciating these moments, we can better coexist with the animals in our lives and deepen our understanding of their fascinating minds.

So, the next time you see your horse or any other animal engaged in playful behavior, remember that it may be more than just a joke; it may be a way to share a moment of genuine amusement and joy with you.