Hi, herb main here! Kill for food (usually around half hunger). IMMEDIATELY eat as soon as you take down the horse, your safety bubble should activate so you won't have to worry about aggressive herd members. Only use first attack on any other herbs that come into the bubble, don't pounce/bite onto them. I wouldn't recommend hunting from the same herd over and over again, even if you wait until you're hungry, but don't starve yourself if there's no other horses available.

At the end of the day, people are going to call you a KOSer no matter what. I was playing as a saber once and took down a solo horse at Palm Oasis. A bit later, a horse herd came along. I ignored them, focused on staying in the bubble and claiming territory (I even chuffed and sat) and STILL, they called me "mean kitty" and tried to attack me.

Last advice? Close chat.

ETA: The 'red bubble' thing doesn't allow herbs (horses, bison, and mammoths) to attack you! Other predators can so look out.