Pony fight - swapping roles in the pecking order

[HollyWoozle]

I just went away for a week and during this time, my two ponies had some hugely dramatic fight. They had to be separated in the end as apparently the shettie, Cookie, was just beating up the pony we've had for 18 years, Cosmo!

Anyway, I missed all this drama and since I've been back they are back in together and settled, but they have swapped roles. Cosmo, although older and more frail, has always been the boss of Cookie and consequently was always fed first etc. Now it seems that the tables have turned and Cookie seized the opportunity to take his place above Cosmo in the pecking order (they are both below the horses in the next field). Neither were injured though I'm glad I didn't have to see the fight of course! As far as I can see it's just nature doing it's thing, no harm done. I do find it very interesting though!

Has this happened to anyone else's ponies/horses before? That one big fight changed their places in the herd? If so, do you think it says something about the horse who moves down a notch? I was wondering if Cosmo has become weaker and less healthy and therefore Cookie was able to take over. I'd be interested to hear anybody's thoughts on this. I think it's quite fascinating!

*passes round the cookies*

 

[berry]

My mare was always the boss of her field until she had an accident in a trailer and she seems to have taken a back seat now. She is in foal and vet seems to think that she is protecting herself more now.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Hi berry, that's a pity about your mare having an accident! I hope she is OK now and that she's doing well, along with her foal.