EPISODE 37 - Herd Dynamics with Kerry Thomas (Part 2)

Inherent Tendencies Verses Learned Behaviour

In this second brilliant conversation with Kerry Thomas from THT Bloodstock we delve into more insights into herd dynamics and how important it is to recognise and appreciate the horse at this level of their individual hard wiring. Kerry introduces the idea of a horse's individual herd dynamics and the extent of their basic instincts to outsource to a herd the processing of sensory changes in their environment and emotional stress.

This means that when horses get triggered and feel stressed (either by changes in their environment or acute stress they may be experiencing when being worked), they will be triggered to seek the reassurance and comfort of other horses. When this is not able to be done, they will struggle and may become emotional and distressed. Part of developing a good partnership and connection with the horse is being able to nurture their abilities to do this but to also get them to turn towards us to help them feel a sense of security when they are triggered.

In other words, they need to look toward us. Kerry explains how important it is to modify training approaches for individual horses. For example, horses that may be slow to struggle to process sensory data and distance may need more time to adjust to fence height changes in show jumping.

Unfortunately, horse's struggling with this might be misinterpreted as being difficult and put under more pressure which can lead to the horse becoming overwhelmed. This episode will deepen your understanding and appreciation of horses and their emotional response to situations and how we can help them.

This Podcast is a MUST LISTEN for those interested in deepening their understanding of horses.