Very seldom do you see a horse by itself. If given the choice, a horse will almost always seek the social interactions offered by other horses. Admittedly, you can’t ask a horse to explain this to you in your native tongue, but simple observations of their behaviors help argue the case.
In a herd setting, opportunities exist for a sense of security and social stimulation. Being able to stand head to tail and swish away pests allows a reprieve from pesky bugs. In a group, a horse could be allowed to relax more because there are others which can help watch for predators and other scary beings such as those plastic grocery bags, which have been rumored to eat a horse whole in one gulp, that tend to float menacingly through the sky attaching themselves to wire fences becoming a shaking, thundering bag of death. If you’ve ever worked with colts using a plastic bag on the end of a stick, you can appreciate the irrational fear that erupts from a horse’s first introduction to this hideous creature.
If alone, a horse may never be able to relax enough to sleep due to the incessant need to scan the horizon. It is understood that adult horses generally sleep from 3-5 hours a day; unlike humans they don’t do this in a single stretch but rather in several unique periods. Taking away this opportunity, because of solitude, can prove to be detrimental resulting in repetitive stress behaviors like pacing or weaving in a stall.
Horses can achieve a light sleep standing up due to an ingenious arrangement of ligaments, tendons and muscles which lock a horse’s limbs maintaining an upright posture. This is known as a stay apparatus. However, to achieve a deep REM sleep pattern, horses need to lay down or they will become exhausted. This rejuvenating sleep is extremely difficult to attain if they are not a member of a herd with the inherent security provided by the extra eyes, ears and noses of others on high alert.
Humans can generally be described as herd animals. Like horses, we seek comfort, protection, social stimulation, and meaningful relationships within a herd. At times this herd life can be taxing and frustrating, but the horses have some sage advice about this: get over yourself and let it go. To be like a horse is to learn to address the situation immediately, come to terms with the event, then get along, little doggie. There never is a rewarding conclusion to maintaining a grudge or harboring ill feelings towards others. To rectify an argument then have the strength to put it in the past and move ahead is an admirable quality, one which horses demonstrate daily. Wouldn’t it be satisfying to possess this horse-like trait?
You can’t always pick your family, but you can always pick your herd. Learn to appreciate your herd and metaphorically allow them to provide you a chance at a much-needed restful life. If you can’t exist harmoniously within your herd, you might just find yourself exiled and trying to live the solitude lifestyle with no one to help swish away those pests.