Families

I think that by referencing a horses social dynamic as a ‘herd’ is an easy way for humans to disassociate from its importance to our horses fundamental health. While the term is accurate, and I’m not saying don’t use it, it takes away the emotion from the term, or idea that is it describing. The word ‘family’, is a much more loaded term and some might say that we are humanising horses by using it. I think that is incorrect. Why do we, as humans, have the privilege of using the word family to describe the ones we love, care for and surround ourselves with? But we have taken that away from a horse, when their herd does the exact same thing? 

All horses biologically need to live in a herd. This is a fact. Using the word ‘family’ to describe these herd dynamics is not convenient for us as humans. We want our horses to fit inside our boxes (quite literally). It is so much easier to manage a horse that lives on their own, or with only one other horse. We either don’t have the space, time, money, etc for another horse - but being the guardian of a horse is a privilege. You are doing your horses a disservice by not acknowledging this fundamental need. 

Horses can adapt (to changes in herds), but the way we do so, so flippantly with our high horse turnover and moving them along when they no longer serve a purpose to us is so backwards. What effect does this have psychologically and emotionally on a horse? 

There are so many factors that come into play here, too many to list in one short post and the way we have been socially conditioned with our horse keeping is not going to change overnight. But what if we can change our horses lives by even just 10% for the better, what a difference that can make to your horses overall holistic health. 

Having awareness of the importance of a stable, functional and emotionally balanced herd or family life for your horse is the first step. Then from there you will be amazed at what you see. 

- A lesson from Oberon