Horse Wisdom – the Lead Mare.

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”  –John Maxwell

A leader in any social dynamic is the inspiration and director of the action. She or he is the one that possesses the combination of personality and leadership skills to motivate the group towards a common goal.

In a herd of horses, the lead mare is generally an older mare that has gained the wisdom and experience needed to provide for the health and safety of the herd. She is respected for her abilities — such as being a peacemaker when fights break out or her assertiveness when establishing dominance.  Dominance in this sense is not related to the physical stature or aggressiveness of a horse; the alpha female it is not the “biggest and the baddest” horse in the herd. Rather, she has demonstrated her worthiness to lead the herd through wisdom, clear communication, and coherent energy.

Once she has established her role, the lead mare is the one who decides when and where to move the herd, whether it’s for food and water or out of protection from danger. She is benevolent, effective, and respected. It’s her leadership and co-partnership with the lead stallion that ensures the survival of the herd throughout her lifetime. These are the same qualities that are necessary for effective influence and leadership in human “herds”. There’s a lot we can learn from our 4-legged friends, this valuable lesson about leadership is one.