can a horse learn to be hard to catch by watching another horse?

[LeneHorse]

There has been a new pony in my mare's field for a month or so. It is really hard to catch and runs rings round the kid that owns it. Today for the first time in 7 years my mare did not catch straight away - it took me ten minutes walking her down before she gave in and let me put the headcollar on. Could she have been watching the hard to catch pony and decided to try it for herself? I'm not impressed, particularly as it was peeing down!

 

[popsicle]

I wouldn't rule it out! My old horse used to heard away her friend whenever her owner came to catch her. I'm sure she knew exactly what she was doing.

 

[Chico Mio]

My two know they come to me or stay out with no dinner in a bald paddock. I like to think they love me but it's just food

 

[spookypony]

When I got mine, the field bosses would try to herd him away from me when I came to get him. Thankfully, they've stopped, because that was annoying! Now, he recognises me calling, and will start to amble in my direction when I get reasonably close to him.