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Contrary to popular myths, many stallions do not live with a harem of mares. Nor, in natural settings, do they
fight each other to the death in competition for mares. Being social animals, stallions who are not able to find or
win a harem of mares usually band together in stallions-only "bachelor" groups which are composed of stallions
of all ages. Even with a band of mares, the stallion is not the leader of a herd but defends and protects the herd
from predators and other stallions. The leadership role in a herd is held by a mare, known colloquially as the
"lead mare" or "boss mare." The mare determines the movement of the herd as it travels to obtain food, water,
and shelter. She also determines the route the herd takes when fleeing from danger. When the herd is in motion,
the dominant stallion herds the straggling members closer to the group and acts as a "rear guard" between the
herd and a potential source of danger. When the herd is at rest, all members share the responsibility of keeping
watch for danger. The stallion is usually on the edge of the group, to defend the herd if needed.

There is usually one dominant mature stallion for every mixed-sex herd of horses. The dominant stallion in the
herd will tolerate both sexes of horses while young, but once they become sexually mature, often as yearlings or
two-year-olds, the stallion will drive both colts and fillies from the herd. Colts may present competition for the
stallion, but studies suggest that driving off young horses of both sexes may also be an instinctive behavior that
minimizes the risk of inbreeding within the herd, as most young are the offspring of the dominant stallion in the
group. In some cases, a single younger mature male may be tolerated on the fringes of the herd. One theory is
that this young male is considered a potential successor, as in time the younger stallion will eventually drive out
the older herd stallion.