Spiritual Bellwether: Leading A Horse to Living Water

It is rather noteworthy that the creation was designed in such a way so that the beasts of burden specifically a horse can teach us so much about what it is to be human. To be a Christian human ruled of things innately that make us better people. Better leaders. Better husbands and fathers. Better wives and mothers. Better children. Better soldiers. Better workers. It should not be a surprise then that both a man and a horse are made by the same Creator. The Creator that left the same signature of His work in both. A God who would give man dominion over the horse yet man could still learn from them (Genesis 1:26). Lessons to be learned from horses include its judicious use of strength, ability to restrain or unleash that strength or most amazingly its ability to turn that power into wordless grace. The latter being strikingly human in its characteristic. Characteristics that of late are completely absent in society and are sorely needed in it.

Wild Horses around the world, and even domestic horses to a more limited extent, have a structured herd hierarchy. This hierarchy is vital to the herd for survival, social cohesiveness, and successful rearing of the young. The structure is somewhat simple and has been in place for thousands of years. It is instinctual social structure, that even domesticated horses in small groups who are pastured together adhere to. There are many things man can learn when studying these beautiful creatures.

A typical wild horse herd consists of an Alpha stallion, Alpha mare, Beta mares and perhaps a Beta or Omega stallion (remembering that wild male horses are not neutered naturally), Omega mares, and lastly the very young, whose status has not yet been defined. Strikingly like a Biblical human hierarchy. A hierarchy created to fulfill certain roles for the good of the community. For the continuity and completeness of the community (Titus 2:1-15).

The Alpha stallion “owns” the herd is the herd’s guardian and protector. It is a born leader. Naturally inclined towards aggressive traits to fulfill its role as the Alpha male, a protector, defender and sentinel. His herd usually consists of 2 to 21 mares and their young. He protects the members of his herd from being “stolen” by other stallions or other threats and will move his herd while keeping them together. We see cohesive family unity. A protective father. A nurturing mother. Dependent but obedient children. The Alpha stallion typically sires the foals and must constantly fight to maintain his position of Alpha. His reign (forgive the pun) lasts for approximately of 2 to 10 years. Eventually, he will age, tire and be replaced by a younger, stronger stallion. Just as there is a generational changing of the guard in humanity (Joshua 1:1-18, 2 Timothy 3:10-17).

Here also we see that there are multiple alpha males as there are also beta males. The beta males are not leaders. It is expected that the younger will eventually take up the mantle and responsibility of the aging elder sentinel. Just as Moses to Joshua and from Paul to Timothy. Betas become Alphas and Alphas become betas. A dynamic but structured system of renewal. The competing stallion may be from another herd and wants to steal the Alpha’s mares, or he may be from a herd of bachelor males. Fights between stallions are very aggressive and can lead to horrific injuries or even death. Although brutal, this challenge is for the good of the herd. Once and Alpha male can no longer fulfill his role as protector and sire though strength, vitality, and intelligence, he must and will be replaced. In a way the same happens in humanity. When a elder becomes too infirm they should retire and allow those better able to lead the ability to lead. This also includes if a person discredits of disqualifies themselves through poor or unethical behavior.

In humanity we see a similar dynamic. Minus the unbiblical connotation of polygamy inherent in a comparison of a stallion and multiple mares there is still a lot of biblical principles taking place about structure, family and roles. Again, this shouldn’t surprise us as God created both the man and the beast to function similarly. If only for horses to teach humanity proper societal and family roles. Roles that are slowly disappearing from the modern world because of redefinition of community, family, gender, etc. In addition we now we have fatherless homes and a society encouraging men to be effeminate. Not a state of renewal but dismantling or disfiguring. 

The Alpha mare is typically an older and wiser mare. Not a female given over to impulsiveness and thoughtlessness that would endanger itself or the herd carelessly. A stable mature female capable of fulfilling the role apportioned to it by God. The role of the Alpha is to lead her herd to water and good pasture (Psalm 23:2) and to keep order among the other mares and young. The human female in the home and in society does the same. She helps provide the physical and spiritual subsistence necessary for not only herself but also cognizant of the society at-large (the herd) (Proverbs 31). She also determines when the herd should move to drink.

Drinking at a water source makes the herd vulnerable so her decision when to drink is important. She is not only a nurturer, protector but also a leader. While the Alpha stallion will more likely move his herd by herding them, the Alpha female moves them by simply leading by example. When she moves off, the others will follow her. In this way she is a bellwether. Like a human female she is the good influence on her family which would therefore extend into society at large as community is the sum total of its constituent parts...families. She moves them through quiet example, the stallion through power and might or countenance / bearing. Again, we see the male and female role common in both species. Same ends, different means. They are to complement one another not necessarily compete. Humans could learn a needed lesson here physically and spiritually.

The Beta mares and Omega mares make up the bulk of the herd. They give birth to and raise the young. Beta and Omega mares keep a vigilant eye out for danger and will alert the herd of any threat. Although they appear as a disparate and aloof herd in a field the reality is they’re a loosely knit community of similaer mind. Together but still free to move individually and express themselves as God made them all unique...like people. Conversely, they will band together to protect the young by putting themselves between the threat and the foals.  They will fight to the death if necessary to do so. A village. A tribe. A herd. Call it what you wish. Different names but very same things.

A Beta or Omega mare may foster the foal of another mare if she succumbs to illness or death (widows and orphans). Together the mares will form tight groups in the winter or other foul weather to keep the herd warm, rotating and necessary so no one must remain on the outside of the protective group to take the brunt of the cold. If the situation arises, a Beta mare may temporarily take up the mantle of Alpha mare if the Alpha mare cannot perform her role at the time.

The Beta mares will always test the Alpha mare for her fitness to maintain status. Just as iron sharpens iron a woman should always test the spirit with not only strangers as a protective measure for her family but also those in her immediate community. Her home. Her church. Women and mares are not to be doormats. They need to be sentinels of the sentinels. They need to come alongside the Alpha males and assist (Ephesians 5). The need to come along other females and teach (Titus 2). Leadership is not some lone endeavor. It is a community function that assumes the leader will lead others. A true communal social dynamic.

The mare challenges are not brutal like the fights between stallions. They are more of a test of personality dominance. Although they may bite and kick, the goal is not to grievously injure the other mare because mares are vital to the survival of the herd. The Omega mares or young stallions are often newcomers to the herd or lack the endurance or personality to lead. Just as young human males pose particularly thorny issues when put in leadership roles too soon. They may eventually rise through the ranks in time or they may remain in this status. Their role is just as important to the health and the integrity of the herd. Omegas may be bullied a bit by the higher-ranking horses. 

They will not be the first to drink or eat and will not lead, or be followed by the herd. It is interesting to note though that with the loss of herd members or division, it is not uncommon to see an Omega rise to be a Beta or Alpha quickly. Repeatedly we see structured proper roles illustrated ad nauseum in the herd. I wish I could say the same of human society, human community, and human church. It is the sad fact that many in human society are either abdicating roles or usurping proper roles. We are really beginning to see the negative impacts of this jockeying of the proper community/communal order on the nation (and world). Our broken communities are starting to reflect the broken families that undergird the current failing system. A system in rebellion or revolt against itself if a form of spiritual suicide.

Male foals (colts) will often be driven from the herd by the Alpha stallion upon reaching young maturity. Just as young humans must eventually take on the roles of an adult and put away the things of their youth (1 Corinthians 13:11-12). This is important to prevent inbreeding. These young males will often leave the herd and form bachelor herds. As they finish maturing, they may attempt to start a herd of their own by stealing mares from an Alpha stallion or obtaining young mares who have left their mother herd to start a new herd. If bold enough, a member of the bachelor herd may challenge the Alpha stallion for dominance over an entire herd. Some may become a herd member as a lower ranking horse if he does not challenge the Alpha stallion or try to dominate his mares. Some stallions may stay in bachelor herds for life.

Female foals (fillies) may stay with their herd throughout their life but often will leave their mother herd to join a different herd or start a new herd with a bachelor stallion. Again, this is important to prevent inbreeding and may give her a better chance at achieving a higher rank. It is interesting to note that the rank of the herd members can quickly change depending on circumstance. If a higher-ranking member is lost, another will quickly assume the higher role. If the herd is divided, the herd will quickly rearrange ranks so that the Alpha, Beta and Omega roles are fulfilled. It is vital to maintain the hierarchy. The herd is at risk both physically and mentally if the roles are not defined and maintained. Therein lies the biggest lesson for humanity. Unity of purpose, rules/laws, roles and hierarchy need to be maintained from the smallest social unit to the largest.

This includes the individual companionship of two in a friendship or marriage. It includes the family unit or the father, the mother, and the children. It is communities the sum total of properly structured families. All are given a role and a place on a hierarchy (Ephesians 5:21-Ephesians 6:4). This includes all the potential interactions in society/community. There is a place for each in a hierarchy and unified structure. There is a role we all must fulfill and that can change throughout one’s lifetime based on circumstance just as the herd. To some will be allotted a leadership role. To others a subordinate role. To some will be allotted the role of protector, warrior, or sentinel and to others to be protected so they can heal, to teach and to nurture. Some will even be given gifts or gifted for certain tasks. (Acts 6, Romans 13, Ephesians 4, Ephesians 6, 1 Cor.12, etc.). 

It makes sense then that neither the herd nor society will wish to manifest things destructive to their well-being like criminality, anarchy, wanton violence and chaos unless absolutely necessary. We live in a structured world under a God of order that gave us law. When that order is rearranged, the laws ignored or society is thrown into chaos it is not of God. We could learn a good commonsense lesson by merely leaning over the rails of a pasture and watching the horses.

In truth this isn’t brain surgery. It’s commonsense. It’s horse sense. Look to the horse you of a godless generation. Consider its ways and be wise! Just as a I can lead a horse to water I can show you how it all fits together perfectly with Scripture but until you drink of living water (John 4:14) yourself you're only going along for a joyride.

[Thank you to R. Tudor for the knowledge of horses in this post. This was a collaboration.]