Animal behaviour in a human world: A crowdsourcing study on horses that open door and gate mechanisms

摘要: Anecdotal reports of horses opening fastened doors and gates are an intriguing way exploring the possible scope horses' problem-solving capacities. The species' natural environment has no analogues mechanisms involved. Scientific studies on topic missing, because rate occurrence is too low for exploration under controlled conditions. Therefore, we compiled from lay persons case closed gates. Additionally, collected video documentations at internet platform YouTube, taking care to select raw data footage unedited, clearly described visible cases animals with distinct signs training or reduced welfare. included individuals 513 hinges, 49 sliding doors, 33 barred gateways; 260 horizontal 155 vertical bars, 43 twist locks, 42 door handles, 34 electric fence 40 carabiners, 2 locks keys. Opening was usually escape, but also access food stable-mates, out curiosity playfulness. While 56 percent opened a single mechanism one location, 44 several types (median = 2, min. 1, max. 5) different locations 4). more complex was, movements were applied, varying median handles 10 carabiners. Mechanisms requiring head- lip-twisting needed movements, significant variation between individuals. 74 reported in questionnaire had options observing behaviour stable mates, 183 did not, which indicates that latter learned open either individually humans. Experience favours efficiency; subjects applied fewer per lock than only type. We failed identify level complexity door-fastening beyond learning capacity horse open. Thus, all devices frequent use, even carabiners potentially vulnerable by horses, something needs be considered relation keeping safely.