February 21st, 2026
 
"Ethology: Herd Behavior, Emergence, Roles, and Social Rules"
Theme: "Your horse behaves like a herd animal- even with only one other member- you.
 
Teaching topics- 
From Dr. Marthe Kiley-Worthington & equine ethologists:
Natural Herd Structure
Roles: Mentor, Protector, Sentry, Joker, Skeptic, Pawn
Leadership as influence- not dominance
Emergence: moving as one without verbal commands
Body placement = communication
 
Video-
Herd Movement and Emergence (horses, birds, and fish comparisons)
 
Experiential-
Herd Mapping Exercise (with puppets)
Group moves together as a herd
Leader shifts naturally
Participants experience: vigilance, yielding zones, spatial pressure
 
Application-
Interpreting your horse's herd instincts
Working in alignment with their ROLE
Supporting Anxious, Hesitant, or Stoic types
 
Reflection- 
Which role does your horse play? How do you know?
Homework: Observe herd dynamics in your barn and pasture.