Rescue horses soothed by classical music

In a large stable at an equine rescue centre on the outskirts of Lincoln, a herd of horses are being played Beethoven's Für Elise. Charity staff say classical music has been key to soothing their animals here.

"They enjoy listening," says Emma Carter, deputy chief executive at Bransby Horses.

We are in the stables with a group of horses known as The Bay Boys, brown-coloured thoroughbreds who are known for their spirit.

As the piano melody peaks, the horses' ears appear to turn.

"Research suggests it can help in terms of lowering stress hormones and lowering heart rates," Emma says.

She says the horses are not picky about which music they listen to, so they choose pieces for them which have a "soft regular tempo".

"I definitely like to listen to a bit of Beethoven," Emma adds.

The equine charity rescues and rehabilitates horses, some from traumatic situations.

Staff say the calming classical music has helped to ease the horses' stress.

"You can see their ears taking it all on board," says staff member Louise Hanson as the music continues to play.

Louise says some horses are played the music if they are on a period of rest, often requested by a vet.

She says the animals often have a physical reaction to the pieces.

"Their heads will lower, their whole facial expression relaxes," she says.

Louise says the bay boys are thoroughbreds and are "bred to be energetic and highly strung" so she says it was especially rewarding to see them calmed by the music.

"They come over, you see them relax and they engage with it."

Classical music's soothing effect on animals is nothing new.

In 2012, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour found that classical music can help reduce anxiety in dogs.

Bransby Horses welfare manager Rachel Jenkinson says their teams who go out to rescue horses from dangerous situations sometimes sing to the animals to sooth them.

"Just in a very low tone, it helps to keep the people breathing and the situation very calm," she says.

"They're very social animals."

Rachel says the music can often diffuse unfamiliar sounds to distract the animals.

Ultimately, staff at the charity say they have embraced the iconic classical pieces, whether it be Mozart or Tchaikovsky.

These horses are listening, staff say.

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