In my work at Bodhi Horse Practice, I’m often asked what it means to approach horse behavior through equine ethology. In essence, it’s the study of horses’ natural behaviors in their original environments—how they live, interact, and communicate in the wild or semi-wild. This isn’t about recreating some idealized wilderness or even ‘natural horsemanship’; it’s about understanding how these instincts play out in the day-to-day lives of our domestic equines and then using that knowledge to support their wellbeing.

Robert Anderson first contacted me after reading one of our Everyday Ethology articles. A physicist scientist by education, Robert had the rare experience of closely encountering orcas at SeaWorld San Diego between 1979 and 1980. He also has a long-standing relationship with horses, beginning on a ranch where he came to know thirty-two individuals, each with their own personality, preferences and social roles.

Having spent my childhood in the Middle East, working with clients in the region now brings me a sense of reconnection. The bond between horses and humans in the Arabian world spans thousands of years, deeply embedded in tradition.

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.

This week’s question comes from Alana Somerset, a Veterinary Physiotherapy student based in London, UK. Alana writes:

“I’m really fascinated with free-living horses and how their locomotion and conformation may differ from our domesticated horses. We are always taught how horses should be, but what is actually best for them given the circumstances?”

This piece is a reflection of Say What You Mean and is an English translation of the original Spanish commentary. This reflection does not equate the experiences of enslaved people with those of horses. Rather, it questions how language and expectations reveal a shared pattern: treating living beings, human or non-human as objects meant solely for use.

The language we use to refer to our horses sets the tone for how we relate to them. Too often they are spoken of as objects: it. Or infantilized as ‘my boy’ or ‘my girl’. Relationships are framed in transactional terms like buyer, owner, or rescuer. But what if your words reflected the deeper truth of your bond?

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

I love this question because it touches on the profound nature of our relationships with equines. Writing a response required introspection and a willingness to confront some uncomfortable truths about how humans have historically interacted with and “loved” horses. Concepts like love, connection, and trust are particularly hard to define—especially when applied to nonhuman animals. Rather than attempt to pin down a single definition, we’ll explore how horses may express these qualities in their own unique ways.

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.

There is little definitive knowledge about how horses in the wild or those living freely experience the illness and death of a companion. Anecdotal accounts vary widely. Some horses refuse to leave the side of a struggling friend; others linger near a body that has already grown still. Some stand guard in quiet solidarity, while others seem to recognize the inevitable and accept it without hesitation.

It all begins with an idea.