by Eleanor Blythe

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

In the handling of equines, a certain amount of psychology comes in handy. Understanding that horses are hard-wired to be social creatures is an important component. Their primal instinct is to band together, for two main reasons: 1.) Safety, and 2.) comfort. Understanding the desire for companionship is the key to being a better owner, trainer and rider. Ignoring the need can cause damage to the psyche, personality and sense of well-being.

On the range, wild herds form to seek out grazing lands and water sources. Twenty heads is certainly better than one in this effort. And because equines are prey animals, they are wildly frightened of predators. There is security in the herd, and strength in the group. For this reason, they have roamed in numbers for hundreds and thousands of years. Their group behavior in the wild gives them the best chances for survival: Each pair of ear and eyes are alert to danger, bettering the chances of averting disaster. Flight is the first instinct.

Horses also bond in herds and form genuine attachments with each other. It is not uncommon for equine behavior to include rubbing bodies, necks and even rumps. They may lean agaisnt one another. Certainly, they stay in close proximity to each other and whinny back and forth. Mares are generally excellent mothers. Stallions are known to fight to the death to protect their mares and colts. Horses grow accustomed to each other over a life span of 25-to-30-years. A horse ostracized by or separated from his herd is a sad animal, indeed. And in truth, herds will discipline a rebel by forcing them outside of the herd. This can result in a terrible fate and chastens the wrongdoer into compliance.

At home, things aren't so different. Although feed and water is often provided, tame horses still like to roam and graze. And they like to do this in a herd. This "herd" may include several other mares, geldings or stallions, or just one extra companion. Whether two or twenty, the dynamics of group behavior still rule. Tame horses will use their eyes and ears to identify perceived dangers. They can't easily differentiate "types" of danger - to them, a plastic Kroger's grocery bag blowing across the field is a monster bent on carnage. So, in the mind of a horse, unanticipated movement equates with danger.

For this reason, a single horse can become terrified and irrational when facing dangers alone. It is wise to recognize this reality when caring for a horse: He is insecure and lonely as a singleton. He will do much better in the company of another horse. If it is not possible for him to be paired his own kind, then note that he will follow a group of cattle or even goats. Any company is better than no company.

Interestingly, horses also bond with people. The lone cowboy and his trusty steed is a picture emblazoned onto the collective American consciousness. Roy Roger's Trigger obeyed astounding verbal commands and reportedly loved his owner. Certain breeds are known to be people-lovers, including the Quarter horse and the Arabian. Therefore, it is necessary to spend time with all equines. Handling them includes talking, stroking, feeding the daily apple, riding them frequently, rubbing them down, and using the curry comb.

Interaction will help keep your horse engaged and happy. The need for companionship is a part of the psychological make-up and must be recognized.

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