Horses, like many social animals, have specific names for their gatherings. The terminology is not always singular, as different words apply depending on the context, such as whether the horses are wild or domesticated, or what their current activity is. These distinctions reflect the inherent social structures and purposes of the equine group.
The Primary Collective Noun
The most common collective noun for a group of horses is a herd. This term is generally applicable to any collection of horses, whether they are wild mustangs roaming the plains or domestic horses grazing in a pasture. The word “herd” is often used for any large group of hooved animals that move together. This term accurately reflects the fundamental social behavior horses display, known as herd behavior. A domestic group of horses sharing a field is considered a herd just as much as a group of feral horses.
Different Names Based on Context
While “herd” is the universal term, more specific collective nouns are used to describe groups based on circumstance or human organization.
- A band is the smaller, family-based unit of wild or feral horses, typically consisting of a stallion, several mares, and their young.
- A string is used in equestrian and racing contexts to describe horses owned by one person or kept together for training or competition.
- A team specifically refers to horses harnessed together to work, such as pulling a carriage or plow.
- For groups kept specifically for breeding purposes, the term stud or the less common harras may be used.
How the Group Functions
The social organization within a horse group, whether a large herd or a smaller band, is highly structured and focuses on survival. The group maintains a distinct social hierarchy, which helps to minimize aggression and promote cohesion. Horses are prey animals, and living in a group offers safety in numbers, providing more eyes and ears to watch for potential threats.
The hierarchy is generally maintained not by the stallion, but by a lead mare, often referred to as the matriarch. This mare typically guides the group’s movements, determining when to travel to water, seek new grazing areas, or flee from danger.
The stallion’s role is primarily protective, acting as a sentinel on the periphery of the group. The stallion defends the group from predators and drives away rival males, often staying at the rear when the group travels to ensure no horse is left behind.
Young males are eventually driven out of their birth group, or natal band, usually around two to three years of age, to prevent inbreeding. These young males often form temporary bachelor bands until they are mature and strong enough to challenge an established stallion for a breeding group of their own.