04/27/2021
At Whole Horse Wellness, horses are constantly reminding us of how we can better engage in positive human communication and interaction. We’re calling these reminders “Horse Nuggets.”
Behaviorists observe that equine herd dynamics are all about communal harmony and de-escalation of conflict…and common respect for each horse’s personal space bubble. For a horse, being part of the herd means belonging and survival. If horses are constantly battling with herd members, neither of these things is attainable, so they communicate their needs and wants in the clearest, yet least aggressive way possible in the moment.
For example, when one horse is eating and another gets too close for comfort, popping that personal space bubble, Horse #1 will pin back their ears and give Horse #2 a look that clearly says “You’re too close! Get out of my space!” In most cases, that’s all it takes. Horse #2 backs off, and both horses return to a state of quiet and calm. Horse #1 only escalates to more aggressive communication if #2 doesn’t heed #1’s request and continues pushing the boundaries.
For us, the biggest "aha!" about this interaction is that once the conflict between Horses #1 and #2 has been resolved, even if things DID escalate to screams and kicks, one horse gives way and both horses “go back to zero,” (return to peaceful coexistence).
Today’s Horse Nugget is: Communicate wants and needs clearly, without giving or taking offence, then, once conflict has been resolved, let it go. Return to peaceful interactions, without holding a grudge.
Try it for a week and see what happens! We love hearing from you, so please share in the comments.
