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[Joan Deutsch]

This is surprising. I know my horses respond differently to my tone of voice but that may be from conditioning:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31374/horses-inherent-response-to-harsh-soothing-tones-evaluated

[drafthand]

Interesting article but?? My experience tells me that (my) horses do indeed respond to tone in voice, and that is a good thing. Sure is nice that the team won't (shouldn't) move without cues from their driver. When used with prudence, it has saved me many hours and heartache. Also I use tone to set bounderies. The article fails to mention if they used the same handlers for each study group. I have seen many handlers that could instill confidence in any horse. (reverse is also true)

[turnershaven]

This seems like a strange result since my boys certainly understand my tone of voice! Maybe it is conditioning but they know the difference between "knock that off" delivered in a soft tone and when it is delivered in a firm no nonsense tone. I do reinforce these tones appropriately thought maybe that has something to do with it???
Just a thought.

[booksngardens]

Maybe it's body language combined with the tone, or even intangible energy projected with it. Horses are tuned in to their people and I believe all prey animals have a sixth sense.