How Well Do You Really Know Your Horse?

[TheresaW]

Have found out this week, that I don't know either of mine as well as I thought.

If you asked me, I would always say that Dolly is very dominant, and Mac not. However, last Friday, Dolly was turned out with a different horse because of work that was going on up the yard and certain horses had to be out all day. She was bullied by the horse she was put out with and didn't fight back at all.

Mac on the other hand, has always been really laid back and takes everything in his stride. He has been living out 24/7 in a mixed herd and seemed to be keeping himself to himself. He has always got on really well with geldings and been totally indifferent to mares. Anyway, there was a small mare who was in charge of the herd, but we have now all noticed that she seems to have been shoved out and he has taken over. Not seen him bullying any of the others, but they are all following him around and get out of his way when he wants something. How did I read them both so wrong?

 

[Tia]

Whenever you change anything within a herd the whole dynamics of that herd alter. I see this all the time whenever I have a new horse move here. I always find it interesting to watch how the herd changes.

Even with an established herd, when certain things happen (even if you can't see them happening) you can watch the structure of the herd change before your very eyes. It often changes back again if whatever has happened has changed back again.

I find my herds completely fascinating and watch them for literally hours.

 

[Calli]

Exactly so the dynamics are never set and it is amazing to see the interaction. After all they react totally differently to other horses than they do to humans. Also we asign them 'human' traits and characteristics which is misleading.

 

[Theresa_F]

They do suprise you. All his life Cairo has been bottom of the pack. Whilst he and Chancer are fairly even, we have noticed that Cairo is truely the boss of the two when he wishes. Was quite a shock to see him put Chancer in his place - horrible face and a nip on the bum.

No doubt if out with another horse he would be back to Mr Scaredy Pants.

 

[Donkeymad]

Yes, each herd has it's pecking order, when the herd changes, the pecking order will be challenged and change too. I have also seen my lead mare become less dominant for a while, then rise to the top again. It was nothing very noticeable really, but it was there.