July 11, 2025: Bee Learns Herd Hierarchy with Neville & Vita
One thing you can always count on with horses is that the herd decides.
Since moving to the front pasture, Bee has clearly found her place in the Three Musketeers: Neville, the undisputed Alpha; Vita, his loyal sidekick; and Bee, who has carved out her own role as the Scout.
You might remember from a few weeks ago that Bee loves being near Vita. She stood happily by her during our lesson and has clung to her ever since. But Neville? He is the one in charge.
This week, I saw just how much sway Neville has over Bee. I called her to the barn to give her some extra fly spray and alfalfa. Not only did she ignore me, but she also actively avoided me. So I switched tactics, walked right over to Neville, slipped a lead rope around his neck, and waited. Bee trotted right over. Clearly, if Neville was going, she was too.
Horses are herd animals, and every herd has a social structure. At the top is Neville, the Alpha. He makes the decisions about where to graze, when to move, and he keeps the others in line. Below him is usually a Beta, a lieutenant of sorts who supports the Alpha and sometimes challenges him. (Have you ever heard a more apt description of Bee?) Then there are the Followers, content to go with the flow, and the Outsiders, those who do not quite fit in.
And then there is the Scout, often a horse who stays alert to threats, watches the perimeter, and is cautious by nature. Friends at the barn have even called Bee our Scout because she is always watching, wary, and alert to everything around her.
It is fascinating to see how she is learning the language of the herd while still letting me be part of her circle. Horses do not just live together; they communicate, respect, and trust within that hierarchy.
If you have any questions about herd dynamics or want me to cover other topics in future Buzz posts, let me know. Thanks for following along on Bee’s journey. See you next week!
Neville at left, Bee in the middle, and Vita at right. The Three Musketeers!