The Foundations ---

    There are a few Basics that need to be considered and understood if one is to learn to Communicate with Horses.

Horses have Brains !

   The first of these is that Horses are both Intelligent and Aware animals. Like Humans, Horses are Individuals, so, there are degrees of Intelligence. As a general rule, a Horse possesses at least the mental capacity of an average 7-year-old Human child--and that with all of the relevant capacity and willingness to learn.

Horses are Social Animals !

    Horses are extreemly Social Animals with a highly evolved Social Order--the Herd. Within the Natural order, Horses are Prey Animals, and, as such, have an inate psycological need to be with other Horses, as the Herd insures survival. In cases where Horses are not allowed contact with each other, or a person has only one Horse, the social needs of that Horse MUST to be met by the Human/owner. Horses who are left alone suffer the same kinds of psycological and physical problems that Neglected Children and Adults suffer. When considering this, one needs to remember the old saying, "All work, and no play, makes Jack a dull boy". Owners should, by all means, spend *Quality Time* with their Horse--Timeless Time, no watches, no schedules, and NO WORK. Like taking a friend out for a snack or cocktails, these times are for light conversation and 'just getting to know one another'.

Herd Sociology and Psychology

   It is absolutely important to understand that the supreme directive and force in a Horse's Life is the HERD. When we are looking at that term 'herd', most of us see masses of Horses--which, in most cases, is the reality. Yet a 'Herd' can be, and often is, composed of 2, and that is what I want you to look at --a Herd of 2. The composition of that Herd is you and your Horse.
    All Herds of Horses have a Leader, and that Leader, in a mixed herd, is always a Mare. The Terms we use to describe her are "Dominant Mare",   "Alpha Mare" , or just, plain, "Boss Mare". She is the one thart you always see 'moving' the other Horses  around -- seemingly, many times, for no reason other than because she can. Understand, if she can move the other Horses-- off hay--off water-- off the salt block--away from each other-- etc.-- for no apparent reason and at any time-- then she can also move them away from hazardous situations and dangers. In Horse Society, an Alpha Mare's dominance also represents a COMMITMENT on her part, to take responsibility for the health and safety of every other horse in the Herd.
   Ok, what's my point ??? Simple. In your Herd of 2, (or 50), You MUST be the Alpha Mare. In my work, here at the farm, I am in contact with 34 horses in 3 seperate Herds, all with their own Alphas. The Relationship we have established with these Herds is such that when we enter any pasture gate, we are the Alpha Mare for the duration of our visit. ( Ok, so I'm a Guy--<G>-- but one who is adept at 'Mare Language' :). In working with Horses, this sort of Relationship is a Must-- unless you just like being run over by your Horses.
   Now-- understand that being an Alpha Mare (Human or Horse) is not a Dictatorship--and a herd runs on co-operative effort. The Alpha is the Alpha, and always in charge, yet, in larger herds, she has 'Lieutenants' who each, themselves, are leaders of smaller, 'sub-herds'. I dont want to go into a great deal of detail on this aspect, but I do want you to see that Herd Behavoir and the Social Psycology of Horses  can be very intricate-- and IS extreemly beautiful to experience and see in action.

    What is Important, is that you understand enough of this behavoir to realize the necessity of establishing yourself as the Leader of your Horse. To quote my good Friend GaWaNi Ponyboy, " If you are not the Leader, your Horse will be"-- and that IS the Truth. It is the nature of the Horse to require a Leader. In establishing yourself in that position, you are providing a Need in your Horse's Life.  I bid you, remember this -- Understand that such a Relationship carries with it a Responsibility to the Horse, and a Commitment to the Horse.
Horses are completely Honest and Honorable Creatures-- and in knowing this, you must also be Honest and Honorable with your Horse. The Importance of this cannot be over-stressed or over-stated, as it is this Establishment of Relationship that OPENS THE DOOR TO COMMUNICATIONS.

      We will go into a great deal more detail on opening this door on the next pages.

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