Alana and I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lluc Pedrero from Barcelona, Spain, who specializes in equine ethology with a focus on enrichment. Our conversation crossed three countries and opened many roads of discussion, so many, in fact, that we decided to share them with you as a series of articles. This collaboration is especially meaningful to all of us because, under normal circumstances, distance and language barriers might have kept us from connecting. Yet here we are. These articles will be available in both English and Spanish.

Discover how people-pleasing patterns in humans mirror subtle appeasement behaviors in horses. This article explores the difference between true cooperation and quiet compliance, why “prey animal” labels miss the full picture of equine coping strategies, and how to recognize the often-overlooked signs of stress or fawning in your horse. Learn what these patterns reveal about both equine wellbeing and your own nervous system responses.

Reader Q: A client recently rehabbed a horse who had their thigh muscle bitten through by another horse during a herd introduction. After multiple skin grafts and nine months of box rest, the horse is sound again. — Anonymous, US

Stoic behavior in horses can stem from both natural personality and learned behavior, but the context is essential. In environments where survival depends on avoiding unwanted attention, horses may suppress visible signs of pain or discomfort. While this trait is sometimes seen as “stoicism,” it’s not the whole story. In a natural herd setting, horses are highly communicative, expressing themselves through vocalizations, body language, and seeking support from others when stressed or injured. Their social interactions are nuanced and dynamic, built on mutual trust and understanding.