Have you heard about the herd?

From Jim: Horses are herd animals. We're not. That can create some communications issues. Herding evolved as a survival strategy for prey animals. The mass of animals, moving as confusing, but coherent group made life for predators more difficult. Herd animals are dependent on behaviors that allow the herd to function. There is a leader. Following is not optional. Leadership can and does change in an effort to provide the best chance for the herd to succeed-That is, to continue to exist. Survival is not about the individual, it's about the group. Every member of the herd is ranked. There are no equals. Leadership is constantly challenged by the next in line. Mating is governed by dominance. Stallions are always seeking to be keepers of a harem of mares. Mares and foals band together. Bachelor stallions form groups-sub herds-while they mature and develop. They tag along at the fringes of the main herd. Generally, a dominant mare leads and the stallion protects his harem from other stallions. When you're with horses, they incorporate you into the herd. You are assigned a status. You need to be a leader, unless you enjoy unruly horse behavior. They will try you out often. It's their way of insuring good leadership. They follow without question so long as you are viewed as the leader. If you falter, they simply take over. Not so fun for you. Gaining leadership is a subtle process, not one of force and anger. Pressure and movement are the elements of dominance. I move you at will, I lead. You move me or balk, you lead. The pressure to move can range from a dropped head and pinned ears, a swift kick or bite to simply stepping into your space. Horses are very sensitive to personal space issues. We teach them to respect our space, partly as a safety issue, but also as a demonstration of dominance and leadership. To really know your horse, I think you need to observe them in a herd setting. Their role and status will tell you a lot about them and give you some ideas about how to work with them. Studying herd behavior is a key to understanding equines.