Social Relationships in the Domestic Horse
By Kathie Gregory
Within the daily routine, there are opportunities for horses to meet each other and start the beginnings of social interaction, whether they are in hand, being ridden or in neighboring stalls. Giving the horses this vital interaction will result in them getting to know each other. The observant person will see who they move towards, and who they keep a distance from. Even in a highly managed situation, it is possible to do the daily work by letting the horses that show an interest in each other stand or walk near each other, to see if a friendship develops. This will result in the horses choosing their own friends and who they want to spend time with, which is valuable information for management strategies, welfare, and safety. Read article