They Knew Before We Told Them…Listening to the Herd—Honoring the Emotional Lives of Our Horses Through Change & Transition

Horses are incredibly intuitive, emotional beings—and when they live in a healthy herd, the bonds they form run deep. They rely on one another for safety, companionship, comfort, and connection. So when a change is coming—especially one involving separation—they feel it. Often before we’ve even said a word.

Recently, we began preparing for two of our horses to leave the herd. And before any changes in their routine were made, the herd knew. Their energy shifted. We noticed anxiety, restlessness, and even sadness. They were picking up not only on the subtle signs around them, but on us. Our own internal stress was being mirrored back through their behavior.

That’s the power of connection—heart coherence and nervous system connection.
Our horses are so bonded to us that they feel what we feel. They sense our thoughts, emotions, and expectations—even before we act on them.

But when we consciously shifted our emotional state—letting go of worry and stepping into peace, presence, and support—they responded in kind. The anxiety settled. Their curiosity returned. They became more relaxed. It was a powerful reminder that how we show up for them during change can either increase their stress or support their healing.

We’ve also taken steps to help them prepare practically and emotionally. Rather than suddenly removing two horses from the herd, we’re making gradual turnout changes and shifting stalls. This helps reduce the dependency on current relationships and gives time for change to be accepted and space for new bonds to form. We’re also spending more time communicating with each horse individually—strengthening the human-horse connection through presence and trust.

The two horses who are leaving have been together before—they once lived away from the herd for a year and returned as a bonded pair. Reuniting them now helps them remember that partnership, so they feel supported as they transition again.

Meanwhile, the remaining herd is already beginning to reshape. Horses like Lovey and Leeta, Lovey and Blue, Callen and Joey—all have unique relationships. And as the dynamic changes, we see new bonds forming, new leadership roles emerging, and a quiet reweaving of the herd’s emotional fabric.

This is the emotional side of horsemanship we don’t often talk about—but it matters. Horses don’t just “adjust.” They feel. And when we slow down, listen, and lead from a place of compassion, we help them move through transition with confidence and connection.

 “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” - Swami Vivekananda

May you always be one with your horse,
Caroline