18/08/2026
Something we take seriously at our yard, ensuring horses are kept in open spaces with a herd mentality π
Touch forms the basis of attachment theory. In attachment theory, it is fundamental in terms of mental security that the need for touch is more important than the need for food.
For horses, as it is for other social species including humans, touch is soothing and because it promotes mental security, it is useful during medical procedures as well as being reinforcing in training.
Soothing touch from stroking and caressing the horse, releases oxytocin, the pleasure molecule. For this reason of attachment alone, stable designs in the future should account for he horseβs need for touch.
Horses that are kept singly often show insecure behaviour that many riders and trainers do not recognise as a consequence of separation. If horses have their hardwired need for touch filled and they can interact physically with herd-mates, many problem behaviours disappear.
In fact, the need for social contact via touch is so strong that when separated they can become very agitated and show separation anxiety. It is important to consider that this is a normal behaviour and simply shows us the strength of the bonding. In training, separation anxiety subsides as the horse develops a sense of security in their human interactions and environment, reducing the reliance on the security provided by their herdmate.
Modern Horse Training: Equitation Science Principles & Practice, Volume 1
