Social stimulation and interaction with other horses may influence the development of a horse’s social skills and their ability to communicate with humans according to a Finland study of 57 horses of various ages and relationship status with humans.
. . . horses living in pastures with other horses for at least eight months of the year are better able to follow cues from humans than horses housed in stalls or paddocks.”
Source: Paulick Report, September 5, 2023. Link.