Why Horses Be Stickin’ to You Like Glue?

So I was out riding my mare Dakota the other day, enjoying the nice weather.

As we’re walking along the trail, I notice Dakota starts following right behind me.

I’m talking inches away, like we’re joined at the hip!

No matter which way I turn or where I go, she’s on me tighter than my skinny jeans.

I was like “Dakota, gimme some space girl!” But she just keeps shadowin’ me.

So that got me wondering – what gives?

Why do horses follow people around like that?

Well after doing some research and talking to some riding buddies, I got to the bottom of it.

Turns out there’s a few reasons why horses be all up in your bizness:

Did you know: Throughout history, horses have been our partners in farming, transportation, and even war.

This history has left an indelible mark on their behavior, making them the curious and loyal beings we know today.

They See You as the Leader of the Pack

First reason is horses are herd animals, meanin’ they live in groups with a clear boss telling everyone what to do.

Out in the wild, the lead mare or stallion is in charge, leading the way to food and water, choosing the direction to travel, etc. Everyone else follows their lead.

So when you take your horse out, you become the leader they should follow. Where you go, they go. What you look at, they look at.

You’re calling the shots now, boss. Dakota was shadowing me so close because in her mind, she belonged right behind the leader to see where we were headed next. Kinda like a dutiful sidekick backing up the hero, moseying along where adventure takes us!

It’s not just when you’re walking or riding either. I’ve seen horses follow their owners around the barn or pasture too.

My cousin Jessie will be wheeling a wheelbarrow to the manure pile and her gelding Murphy sticks to her like super glue! I swear that horse steps on her boots half the time. But he just feels safe and comfortable tagging along behind his human leader.

They Feel More Secure Sticking Close to You

Another reason horses follow you so tight is safety. As prey animals, horses feel real vulnerable out in open spaces where predators could attack. So they hustle in close as a defense mechanism.

It’s their way of sayin’ “Hey friend, I got your back if you got mine.” By walking just behind you, they can respond quickly if their trusted human spots something sketchy.

Their motto is the buddy system – gotta stick together when adventure calls! Murphy crowding Jessie’s space is his version of cautiously scoping the surroundings for cougars.

And Dakota shadowing me so near on our trail ride was probably for peace of mind too. Out there with brush and trees all around, she might’ve felt safer glued to her leader’s side. Horses will even follow right behind other horses to feel more secure.

Have you ever seen a line of trail horses with each one’s nose bumping the butt in front of them? Same idea – safety in numbers!

They’re Just Plain Curious Where You’re Going!

Horses are naturally super curious creatures. They want to know what’s happening and where their human leader is headed at all times.

So if you take off walking or riding somewhere, chances are your hooved sidekick is gonna mosey along too – if for no other reason than to satisfy their curiosity over what has caught your attention!

Like I’ll be doing chores in the barn and see Dakota poking her head out from her stall, watching my every move.

If I grab a brush and walk down the aisle, she’ll trot out behind me just to see what I’m up to. Or if I’m fixing fence out in the pasture, she’ll abandon that tasty grass to come investigate the fence line right on my heels.

Heck, earlier I dropped my phone in a pile of hay and Dakota rushed right over to stare curiously at me digging for it! Nosy Nelly had to inspect what I was rooting around for in HER food.

But cute as she is, horses just can’t stand not knowing what’s going on. When you mosey off, they’ll follow to check out what adventure awaits!

They Want Attention and Affection!

Alright, I gotta be real with y’all – sometimes horses just follow you around hoping for treats or cuddles! They learn over time that sticking close to their human equals snacks, scratches, and sweet talk.

So they turn into needy little beasts begging for your attention!

My cousin Jessie’s horse Murphy is the clingiest guy at the barn. He always follows Jessie while she does chores, nose in her pockets for cookies or lips nibbling her sleeve for pets.

And my leased mare Dakota is learning those tricks from Murphy mighty quick! Lately she nudges me for scratches or tries nibbling my shirt so I’ll lavish some love on her.

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy feelin’ needed by my four-legged friend! But when Dakota steps on my brand new boots trying to hug me, a guy’s gotta set some boundaries, ya know?

Still, I can’t stay mad at those soulful equine eyes we all know and love when they stare begging for just one more pat or baby carrot!

They Recognize You as Part of the Herd

This one might surprise some folks, but scientists say horses actually identify certain humans as part of their herd! See, horses have excellent memories and form deep social connections in tight knit groups.

So over time, your equine buddy remembers you belong in their circle of trust.

The more time you spend together through training, riding, or hangin’ at the barn, the more your horse accepts you as an honorary member of their herd.

To them, you’re another horse they feel bonded with and want to stick close to. So following you around comes natural as part of feeling connected to their herd mate – you!

Researchers did studies observing horse behavior and found animals with strong human bonds followed and solicited their owners more for attention, treats, etc. The herd mentality kicks in and tells them “Hey, that’s one of ours – let’s go say howdy!” Pretty cool to think your ride considers you an actual member of their horse clan!

They See You as a Substitute Parent

Horses who are isolated from other horses will often choose a human as a substitute parent or companion animal. Since they’re herd creatures by nature, your solitary horse craves that sense of family.

So they glom onto you to satisfy that need for connection. Following you closely, constant grazing at your elbow for affection, and whinnying when you leave the barn are all signs your horse sees you as their substitute parent/herd. You make them feel safe, comforted, and not alone.

Now that kind of clinginess might frustrate some folks. But understanding your lonely pony sees you as their entire family/support circle helps explain why they stick to you like glue searching for interaction! With some training on boundaries, you can enjoy being your horse’s chosen parent/protector in moderation.

Fun Fact: Recent research shows horses can recognize different human faces and even remember specific people years after last seeing them! No wonder they feel so connected to us.

Leadership Matters

Horses are natural followers, but that doesn’t mean they’ll follow just anyone. It’s all about leadership, my friend. They want someone they can look up to, a reliable figure who knows the ropes.

Imagine you’re the captain of a ship. If you exude confidence and steer the vessel with purpose, your crew (aka the horses) will willingly sail alongside you. They crave a leader who can navigate the open waters of the pasture and guide them through the challenges.

It’s not about dominance; it’s about being the trustworthy captain of their equine ship. Gain their trust, show them the way, and you’ll find yourself with a loyal crew trotting in your wake.

So, the next time you feel a horse shadowing your steps, it’s not just a stroll – it’s a march led by the captain of the pasture parade.

Communication Through Body Language

Horses are the body language experts of the animal kingdom. They can read your vibes better than your best friend. When they follow you, it’s like they’re fluent in the language of your movements, interpreting every gesture and step.

Think of it as a dance. Your body is the choreographer, and the horse is your graceful dance partner. If you’re sending out calm and confident vibes, they’ll follow your lead like you’re performing a perfectly synchronized routine.

On the flip side, if your body language resembles a chaotic dance floor, they might hesitate or keep a safe distance. It’s all about being in harmony, syncing up your moves with theirs.

So, the next time you find yourself in a spontaneous dance with a horse, let your body do the talking – they’re tuned in and following your every step.

The Treat Connection

Let’s address the elephant in the pasture – treats. Horses have a sweet tooth, or should I say, a carrot tooth. If you’ve got pockets filled with these crunchy delights, you’re basically the snack hero in their eyes.

It’s like being the pied piper of the equine world. You shake that treat bag, and suddenly, you’ve got a trail of eager followers. They know you’re the keeper of the goodies, and they’re not shy about expressing their appreciation.

It’s a simple equation: treats equal friends. So, if you want a loyal entourage, make sure your treat game is on point.

Remember, the next time you hear the sound of hooves following you, it might just be the chorus of hungry hopefuls anticipating a tasty reward.