Throughout history, horses have been our steeds on life’s grand adventure. The image of horses galloping on the wild grasslands or pulling carts has become familiar. So have you ever wondered what a group of horses is called?
We often call a group of horses a “herd”. However, an interesting fact is that there are more ways to call a group of horses than you think. Depending on the context, their role, and the culture of each region, the name for a group of horses is extremely diverse. So what is a group of horses called? What is the difference between them and what does each term mean? Let’s find out with RaxinHorse right after this!
What Is a Group of Horses Called?
People often refer to a group of horses as a “herd”. However, there are more terms for a group of horses:
Herd
This is the most popular and extensively used term. The herd is a general term for a large group of horses that live together. The term can be used for a group of horses in a natural or farm environment. When the term “herd” is used, it is assumed that the group of horses has a clear hierarchy with a leader horse and other horses.
Band
What is a group of horses called? You can also use the word “band” to refer to a group of horses. The word band can be understood as a small group of horses within a “herd” of horses.
Typically, a herd of horses can have up to 25 different horses and they do not travel together completely. They can separate into small groups and “band” is the term used to refer to those small groups of horses. A horse band usually has between 3 and 12 members depending on the number of foals born and raised.
Mob
A mob is also a term used to describe a group of horses. It is often used to describe a large group of wild horses. The phrase actually refers to how horses move. Horses often move in large groups quickly and without any order.
Harem
When looking for the answer to what is a group of horses called, you will often come across the term “harem”. This is the name given to the “living model” of a herd of horses, as well as a phrase.
A harem refers to a band of horses with only one stallion and other mares. In this band, the stallion will have the task of protecting and mating with other mares to maintain the breed and develop the band.
Normally, a horse harem will have a change in band structure when the foals grow up. At that time, the newly grown stallions will be forced to leave their band. They have to challenge other stallions to win the right to mate with another band.
String
What is a group of horses called? You can also use the term “string” to describe a group of domesticated horses. A string is a group of horses owned or utilized by a single person. The term is sometimes used to refer to a group of colts.
Harras
What is a group of horses called? Harras is an old way of calling a group of horses. This is a classic way of calling, often used in the past in English-speaking countries. Harras refers to a group of horses on the same farm.
Team
We can also use the word “team” to refer to a group of horses. A team is typically defined as a group of horses that work together, such as pulling a carriage or competing. You will often see teams of four horses pulling a carriage or teams of horses competing in combined events.
Stable
What is a group of horses called? As the name suggests, you can also use the word “stable” to refer to a group of horses. A stable refers to a group of domesticated horses that live in the same stable. It literally means a stable full of horses!
Remuda
Remuda is a term commonly used in the Western United States for a group of horses. This term means a group of horses raised by cowboys or cowgirls working on a ranch. Remuda is also considered a horse term of Spanish origin. It refers to a group of horses used for heavy work or selected for a specific purpose by the rancher.
Troop
You can also use the word “troop” to refer to a group of horses. Troop refers to a group of horses in the military. These are the horses used by mounted soldiers or police officers.
Rag
What is a group of horses called? For colts, we will use the word “rag” to call them. Colts are usually male horses that have not been castrated (not a gelding horse) or are under four years old. These young horses will stay with their mothers until they are adults. However, this phrase is not widely used.
Stud
What is a group of horses called? Stud is a term used to describe a group of horses used for breeding purposes. They are usually healthy stallions that are kept separately on a farm for breeding. The term “stud” can also refer to a breeding farm.
The Organizational Structure Of A Horse Herd
To clarify what is a group of horses called, we will learn more about the social structure of a herd of horses. Horses are herd animals that follow their own “rules” for social structure.
You will be surprised because the social structure of a herd of horses is much more complicated than you think. A herd will include many different bands, which can include harem bands (one stallion – many mares) and bachelor bands (young male horses separated from the herd).
According to the rules, a band will include a stallion, some mares, and newborn horses. The stallion will be responsible for protecting and mating with the mares. They are often considered to “own” the band, establishing dominance and chasing away others that do not belong to the band.
However, the stallion is not the leader of the band. The leader of the band is usually the oldest mare and is called the band mare. It is weaker due to age but has more life experience than all the horses in the band. Wherever the mare decides to go, the band will follow. She will determine the speed, how far, and direction of the band.
As the colts grow older, the male colts will have to leave the herd and continue on their own. They often form their own bachelor bands, until they find a mare to start a suitable band. Often, they will replace a stallion in the band when that stallion gets too old.
In Australia, a group of horses is sometimes referred to as a “mob” or a “band”. These are all common terms for a group of horses. You may sometimes see some referred to as “brumbies”. However, these are actually a breed of wild horses that roam freely in the Northern Territory of Australia.
A team of four horses is often called a “four-in-hand” or “quadriga”. This is a term that comes from a type of carriage that consists of four horses tied in pairs. The driver uses the reins (or lines) to control all four horses at the same time so that they pull the carriage in the right direction.
A family of horses is often called “Equidae”. This is actually a term for the horse family, which includes horses, asses, zebras, and many other species known only from fossils. This family evolved from small, multi-toed ungulates to large, single-toed ungulates about 50 million years ago.
Bottom Line
So we have ended our journey of discovering interesting things about the terms used to refer to a group of horses. From vast grasslands to bustling cities, the image of horses has always been associated with human history and culture. Although called by different names, horses are always loyal companions of humans.
Hopefully, the “interesting facts” that RaxinHorse has revealed above have helped you answer the question “What is a group of horses called”. Are you curious to know more about rare horse breeds or legendary stories about horses?
