By: Matthew M. Brendal
Maybe you have witnessed this in your experiences with horses, separation anxiety when you remove a horse from a pen with others horses. Depending on where the horse falls in the pecking order will determine a horse’s behavior. Many times the horse that is at the top of the pecking order will have no concern at all. Other the other hand, the horses at the bottom of the pecking order will be climbing the walls. The horses at the bottom of the pecking order become afraid because they don’t have the confidence in themselves. That’s one reason they are at the bottom of the pecking order. Removing the leader from herd/band causes the lower ranking horses to feel lost if in the event they encounter danger. The main psychology behind the herd mentality of companionship is safety, but also the benefits of mutual support. Horses commonly provide mutual grooming for each other. Horses can’t get to a lot places on their body due to their physical build. Let take a fundamental horsemanship time out here to add a secret that will make your horse crave your companionship. Horses have problems reaching all the places that itch from bug bites in the spring, summer and fall. A horse has difficulty scratching places bugs love to bite, the face, under the belly, and lower legs. If you brush and or scratch these areas you could possibly become your horse’s best friend. It is one other type of bonding technique besides food. The physical bond type of companionship bond will help you dwell deeper into the horse’s mind. Yes, it also good for a horse to have a companion. But the psychology of companionship in the horse can be fulfilled by other animals. Strange close bonds have been established by many different creatures. Many times a person can not afford another just to satisfy another horse’s companionship psychology. Goats are very commonly herd mates with horses. They are small and require very little upkeep. Ponies work too, if you want to maintain the same species. Let’s not forget us. Although we probably won’t live in a paddock or stall with the horse, we can try hard to spend as much time as we can with them. As horsemen and horsewomen we should all strive to be good companions to our horses. Companionship is very important to help keep the horse’s mind healthy. Some horses could develop emotional problems if they are kept alone without companionship contact. But given time they will probably figure out that they will be okay. If you understand the horse’s deep desire for companionship it can be a tool to help bring you and your horse closer together. Fundamental Horsemanship is TLC = Trust, Leadership & Communication.
