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Horse Herd Hierarchy: How Horses Really Organise Their Social Lives equine behaviour equine welfare herd dynamics horse behaviour horse psychology social behaviour Oct 02, 2026

Quick answer: Horses don't live in a rigid pecking order ruled by a dominant "lead mare". In free-living herds they form small, stable family groups built on long-term relationships. Leadership is shared and depends on the situation, and most social behaviour is friendly: grooming, resting together ...

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