In an authoritative manner he would chase foals to their dam s side, positioning himself between the threat and the herd, while trying to move the herd away from possible danger. A grazing herd does not move unless there is cause. Flight requires a great deal of energy and energy is important to any living animal, especially milking mothers. The decision to flee depends on a quick response from those mares that are ranked high within the pecking order of the herd. The responsibility and decision making belongs to them, and the other members of the herd follow readily, despite what the stallion says with his behavioural gestures.
Horses are accustomed to social order and willingly follow the rules of that society.
They know who is supposed to follow and who is supposed to follow them. Social order is maintained more efficiently if low ranking horses show submission to others than if high ranking horses showed their authority by using aggression and attacks on lower ranking herd members. Unfamiliar objects cause fear. The first sign is the horse appears startled. The levels of fear and adrenaline go hand in hand, the more of one, the more of the other.