Healthy herd horses enjoy touch - this conveys comfort and a sense of well being
Here is a link to a great story of a horse who was stabled in a stall, not given paddock or herd experience, and what he does when turned out with a herd. This horse needs help, and the dominant mare knows what to do. Its not a quick read, but a great story of herd behavior. If you haven’t had the honor of seeing this in real life, find a local herd and ask to go watch. Their social life is very easy to translate into our human experience. Be open minded when you watch. A dominant mare, and herd pecking order is invaluable in the society.
Psych Central Blog – A Lesson From The Herd Click this link to go to the article, and see other topics on Equine Therapy for human recovery and healing.
I added this comment to the article…
Thank you for this article. I have seen the herd “take care of its own” like this. I also believe deeply that the instinctive dog, sensing something not normal in the seized up horse, was helping to shock it out of its daze. It knew that this horse needed a push, and what animal better than a canine, to do this job for an equine? That’s one of the predator’s positions in the Universe. Having predators will create survival of the fittest. I have every good hope for this horse to recover his instincts, spirit, and equine herd skills. Hooray for a herd of “school board” mares. Aren’t they a crack up?
To read more about Equine Body Work, Google the topic and add your city or state. Horses are being assisted every day with lameness, soreness, crankiness, saddle fitting, and assessment of their whole body wellness.
