Herd behaviour

Horses are herd animals with fixed bonds and roles. Much behaviour only makes sense in the context of the group.

Herd behaviour: Horses are herd animals with fixed bonds and roles. Much behaviour only makes sense in the context of the group.
Read the combination and the context. Always read this signal together with the rest of the body and the situation.

What you see

Horses move, graze and rest together, keep track of each other's distance and direction, and show preferred partners and mutual rank.

What it can mean

  • Safety: being together and taking turns to watch makes the group more alert to danger.
  • Social bonds with preferred partners, visible in grazing and grooming together.
  • Rank and space negotiation, usually through subtle signals rather than fights.
  • Unrest or separation from the group often causes stress, calling and searching.

What this does not prove

Rank in the herd does not prove there is a simple linear boss; relationships are nuanced and depend on the context. Judging one horse's behaviour without the group can mislead.

Read the combination and the context

Look at who stands with whom, who grooms with whom and how space is asked for and given. Always judge an individual's behaviour together with the situation in the group.

When to seek help

Persistent, severe stress at separation or unrest in a group should be addressed with attention to housing, company and welfare, with an expert if needed.

This section helps you observe; it does not diagnose. Behaviour alone does not prove pain or illness. New or clear signs of pain and unexplained changes in behaviour should be assessed by a veterinarian.

Discover more

Mutual groomingTest your knowledge in the quizAll signals

Sources: McDonnell, S. (2003), University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (New Bolton Center) · McGreevy, P. (2012), Saunders/Elsevier.