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.

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?”

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.