“They do it to each other” and “they hurt each other more than we ever can” is used so many times as an excuse to punish or inflict pain upon a horse.
There are many arguments against this mis-information, and YES IT IS mis-information, but the biggest argument in my mind (which I don’t see argued enough) is – domestic horses that exist in stable herds, or free roaming wild horses, actually DON’T do it to each other.
Affiliative interactions and responses significantly out number aggressive ones {1}
Humans would do well to observe, practise, and USE, affiliative behaviours with their horses.
Horses have evolved to exist In stable social groups with enough space to roam freely, with access to sufficient grazing and water. How do you resource guard a big open grazing space? Instead of resource guarding the water supply, some horses will stand sentry while the others drink.
Horses have evolved to be herd members. There is safety belonging to a herd. More eyes to scout for predators, and more choice of target if the predators do come. Physical confrontations among horses can cost energy and risk injury. Instead of chasing each other away, some horses will stand guard while others in the herd sleep. When you are large and getting up takes time, this makes sense.
And importantly – no early weaning; no forced separation of herd mates; no isolated horses in solitary confinement; no housing in pocket handkerchief sized pieces of land; no enforced stabling; no feed that runs out; no limited resources. No people with aggressive scary practices.
Open space to roam with friends and sufficient resources for all herd members. The goal for all equines.
Basing human horse interactions on horses stressed by poor housing, is like basing your community development plan on behaviours exhibited by inmates in the local jail.
Not going to be the best role models!
Horses are pacifists, cohesive, harmonious, they get along; a goal for all humans!
1 1 {Affiliative interactions and responses significantly out number aggressive ones (p<0.01) The Roles of Individuals and Social Networking in a Small Group of Domestic Horses at Pasture C. Ricci-Bonot University of Rennes Marthe Kiley-Worthington Centre d'Eco-Etho Recherche et Education
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Written By Vicki Conroy of the PPGA Equine Sub-Committee
