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Establishing Leadership
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Horses are naturally and instinctively herd animals that rely on each other for survival. Since the beginning of time they have had to protect themselves from predators such as the wolf, coyote cougar and many others. Learning that there is safety in numbers the horse would establish a pecking order, meaning a level in which each horse belonged within the herd. Through this process each horse would challenge one another to find out where he or she belonged within the herd. Amongst the pecking order there had to be an “alpha” or “leader” who would alert the herd of any danger, decide when and where to travel and administer discipline to those who needed it. The leader needed to be strong, fair and consistent in their leadership and discipline to ensure good balance and safety among the herd.
Being the leader of the herd is not necessarily a desired position to have, it is easier to not have to worry about the safety of the heard and make decisions on when to move and where to eat. However each horse throughout its life would challenge the lead horse to ensure that the best suited horse was in the position.
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The lead horse would normally be a mare (female horse) and when discipline was necessary would put her ears back, stretch out her neck and drive the individual horse out away from the herd. In taking this action the isolated horse now is vulnerable to pray and the sense of security is now gone. After a period of time the isolated horse will try to re-enter the group, if the lead mare feels he/she has not learned the lesson she will drive the horse out again.
The isolated horse will begin to show signs of understanding and submission to the lead mare, in a way saying, “I am sorry, I am uncomfortable out here and have learned my lesson, please let me rejoin the group”.
When the lead mare feels the isolated horse has shown the appropriate signs of submission and respect she will allow the horse to return to the safety of the herd. |
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