The terms for a group of horses are nuanced and depend heavily on whether the horses are wild, domesticated, working, or breeding. While many animals have a single collective noun, the most common and universally understood term for any large gathering of horses is a “Herd,” which applies broadly across both feral and managed populations. The language used to describe animal groups often reflects historical observation and the specific context of their behavior or management.
Collective Nouns for Horses
The term “Herd” remains the standard collective noun for horses, representing a general group of any size that is living or moving together. Beyond this general usage, the context often dictates a more precise collective noun. For instance, a “Team” of horses is specifically a pair or group harnessed and working together, such as pulling a wagon or plow.
When dealing with breeding stock, the term “Stud” is used to describe a collection of horses kept specifically for reproduction. This term can refer to the location where the horses are kept or the horses themselves, including stallions and mares. In certain regions, particularly Australia, a large group of loosely managed or feral horses is sometimes referred to as a “Mob.”
Other terms reflect historical or military usage. A “Troop” often refers to a mounted unit or a group of horses moving in a ceremonial or organized fashion. A “String” of horses is a specialized term used in racing or hunting contexts, referring to a group of horses belonging to one owner or trainer.
Social Organization of Equine Groups
In the wild, the social organization of horses is structured, with groups typically defined as a “Band” or “Harem.” A band represents a stable family unit, usually consisting of one mature stallion, several mares, and their young offspring. This unit is cohesive, with group sizes generally ranging from about two to 24 individuals.
The social hierarchy within these bands is led by a dominant mare, not the stallion. This lead mare, often the oldest and most experienced, dictates the group’s daily movements, such as the timing and path to water sources or new grazing areas. The stallion’s primary function is protection, acting as a peripheral guard who defends the group against predators and rival males.
Young males, or colts, are typically driven out of their natal band by the resident stallion when they reach social maturity, usually between two and three years of age. These non-breeding males then congregate into “Bachelor Bands,” which consist of stallions of varying ages and ranks. These groups are temporary alliances that provide safety and social interaction until a male is mature and strong enough to acquire his own harem.
The mare is considered the core of the wild horse family, maintaining the stability of the group even if the stallion is replaced or dies. The structure of the band provides collective defense and a long-term environment for young horses to learn the necessary social behaviors. This stable, multi-year relationship is the foundation of the species’ success in feral environments.
Names for Other Equine Species
The collective nouns for horses’ close relatives within the Equidae family also vary. A group of zebras, for example, is most famously called a “Dazzle,” a term thought to refer to the visual confusion created by their striped patterns when moving together. Zebras may also be referred to as a “Zeal” or a “Cohort.”
Donkeys, known for their resilience and use as pack animals, have a group name that suggests movement or driving. A group of donkeys is traditionally called a “Drove” or sometimes a “Pace.” The common term “Herd” is also often used for any large gathering of donkeys.
For mules and ponies, the collective noun is less specialized and typically defaults to the most common term for equids. A group of mules, which are the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, or a group of ponies is universally referred to as a “Herd.”