Prodney’s Blog: Me and Natalie, herdmates for over 30 years, but who really has the upper hand?

Humans like to think it’s them, but this is based on odd criteria such as having opposable thumbs (hello! We grow our own shoes, how neat is that?), or because they can talk to each other. But if you’re a human reading this, I’d like to introduce our perspective.

Natalie and I have been best friends since 1992, and life’s thrown us a lot of challenges since then. We’re protective of each other, and tuned in to each other’s needs. It’s what you humans would call a ‘symbiotic relationship’ (see, we’re clever too!), and what we know as herd instinct.

We may not be able to ‘talk’ to you, but we’re communicating with each other, and with you, all the time if you tune in to us. And we understand you spookily well (no pun intended). If you’re having a bad day, we know it. If you’re nervous, we know that too. Without you saying or doing anything, we’re one hoof ahead of you. A horse experienced in humans will adjust their behaviour to help calm you down. A novice horse may pick up on your fear and become nervous.

In my experience, very few humans are skilled communicators with horses, but most horses can read humans like a book. We think this puts your opposable thumbs argument in the shade.

Few horses will be lucky enough to have the relationship that I have with Natalie. We thought you’d like to see this short film of it in action. You’ll see how I ask for scratches, and me in my role of Natalie’s personal bodyguard around the yard.

I think it’s clear from this which of us really wears the jodhpurs.

Prodney is Chief Equine Officer (CEO) at Park Lane Stables, and achieved celebrity status following the TV coverage in 2021. And yes, he really is a bit of a star on YouTube and TikTok. Just search for Park Lane Stables and do follow us!