The Memory Abilities of the Elderly Horse.

Abstract

Studies on short- and long-term memory and their decline with aging in horses are still limited. This research aimed to assess the learning and short- and long-term memory abilities of adult and senior horses. A total of 21 adult horses (5-15 years) and 23 senior horses (16 years and older) were subjected to a behavioral test (Target Touch Test), which was repeated three times each for the initial test (T1) and again after 10 days (T10). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between adult and senior horses in the three tests conducted at T1. However, a significant difference was observed at T10 (χ2 = 42.1; p < 0.001). In fact, senior horses took longer to complete the test than adults. A significant difference between males and females, adults and seniors, at T1 and T10 (χ2 = 56.3; p < 0.001) was found, but no difference between male and female adult and senior horses in completing the three single tests at T1 and T10 was evidenced. In conclusion, even senior horses are capable of associative learning, maintaining the memory of this learning even after 10 days. However, they show slower recovery times for recalling memorized information compared to animals under 16 years of age.