In natural herds, one mare is the boss deciding when to move on to greener pastures, settling disputes among the younger horses, modeling the way for foals, and at the lead when danger threatens. Stallions have the scut job looking out for sources of alarm, fighting off the bad guys as well as potential challengers from within, and bringing up the rear when the herd moves.
Domesticated horses still follow their ancestral ways in a modified fashion. They are usually segregated into separate, possibly contiguous, mare and gelding paddocks with stallions banished to breeding farms because of the ruckus they cause in the herd. Each grouping has a hierarchy with a leader and everyone naturally falling into their assigned place. This hierarchy is visible when horses stand by the gate waiting to be taken back into the stables in the late afternoon. Those who "cut" the line are bitten or kicked. Same thing on trail rides. The young are initiated into horse etiquette early and there seems to be some tolerance by the adults as they learn. Horses have excellent memories which is one of the reasons we can train them. They are lifelong learners. Why else would a person get on the back of a 1000 lb animal with trust issues?
I can't imagine getting on a 1000lb animal...thought it is possible the horse I took my brief training on was that heavy. I was just lucky he was so gentle and patient with me.
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