Following on from bullying thread-humans in herd dynamics?

[EmmaB]

Bullying thread was quite interesting but was wondering what others thought about how they respond to humans in regard to herd dynamics, I know we are not part of their herd but for example at out yard we currently have my 2 boys who are chilled and get on with others, and one who is nasty and will not socialise and runs the others away. My two will happily share a pile of hay or even a feed but even with plenty of piles of hay put the nasty one will chase them around even when he has more than enough for himself.

He will also chase them away from the gate and barge the gate area when you try to go in. So he is top of the herd, and if his owner tries to move him away from the gate he won't go, as she's not authoritive over him really (not dissing her! she's just soft with him) but if I walk towards him he will instantly move away completely because he knows I'll tell him off and make him move. So does that make me above him in the order? As it should be because a horse shouldn't be dominating a person out of safety anyway I guess.

Just interesting to see how they behave when in the field together compared to when a human enters the field! I also think my old boy seems more relaxed if I'm in the field as he knows I will 'protect' him?

 

[fburton]

I do not want horses to think I am another horse. Imagine what a nuisance that would be when I am e.g. leading a stallion to cover a mare. To be viewed as either a rival or a potential mate could be disastrously unsafe. Nor do I want the stallion to be feel intimidated by me or inhibited by my presence. What I do want is to be in control, to be trusted and given respect - and that is a matter of training pure and simple.

(Incidentally, that training doesn't entail attempting to impress my dominance on the horse by acting like or pretending to be an alpha mare, or round-penning to "move feet". So it appears that equine social dominance isn't a necessary ingredient for success, thank goodness. On the other hand, the qualities of leadership that are important include: consistency, calmness, confidence, clarity... and probably some other adjectives that start with the letter 'c'!)

Fortunately for us, horses don't usually start off thinking humans are other horses. Our initial default position tends to be more predatorial. As we work with them, gaining their trust and compliance, their perception of us evolves into something else - I'm not sure what - but not, methinks, another horse.

 

[EmmaB]

Yes I agree that we shouldn't be seen as another horse, and also agree that they must see us as 'something' as their behaviour does change when we are around, but they don't really see us as a predator anymore?

I think in my case it is just the nasty horse having respect, moving when I tell him to, as if I ever need to catch him I can do so easily.

Was just a musing really, suppose body language is also a big part in it, no matter what animal we are!