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  Discussion on Curious about a New Herd Dynamic
Author Message
Member:
canter

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008 - 7:49 am:

Hi all,

Just curious to get other's input. My mare (coming 19), as long as I have known her, has always been the alpha mare, regardless of where she was or who she was pastured with. She's a "quiet" alpha mare - seemed to rule the herd with quiet authority and very little out right aggression. Flattened ears and an ugly face has always been enough to keep her pasture mates in line. However, in the past several months, she seems to be giving up boss mare status to her younger pasture mate (they've been together for about 2 years, the other horse is a smaller QH, I think about 6 or 7yo). I've noticed the younger horse pushing Sparkles away from her hay and there have been a few minor bites to my mare (mostly just hair pulled out).

My mare is otherwise healthy (complete spring check up including blood work, vet thought she was in great shape) but has lost a bit of weight, which we are working to put back on her and I think it won't be difficult as spring grass is starting to come in nicely).

So, what's going on here? Is this something that frequently happens when a horse gets older? (In the adjoining pasture, a 30 yo mare continues to be the boss and does not permit ANY nonsense from her younger pasture mates).

As I said, I'm more curious than concerned as Sparkles is healthy, bright eyed and working very well and I have noticed no change in her behavior with me.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008 - 10:51 am:

Fran, interesting as we have kinda the same thing going on. Arab gelding 19 has always been boss horse very rapid use of back hooves left no doubt. Mustang gelding 9, has stopped yielding/ moving out of the way and actually blocked gate to pasture! Vet just here everybody is good ?! Maybe they are just retiring from the stress of leadership! Cindy
Member:
erika

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008 - 5:22 pm:

I have seen herd dynamics change. Sugar was always my alpha mare, no matter who was in with her.
Now her daughter,Cleo (coming five years old), is the boss. I think her mom just got tired of being bugged by the pesky kid and basically said, "Anything you want, dear".
Member:
scooter

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008 - 8:48 pm:

My old mare has always been lead horse, in last few years she doesn't care to fight much and will walk away rather than stand her ground. When it comes right down to it tho she is still the silent leader, the other 2 will follow her anywhere and look to her for "pasture security" They know she is the wise one, just not physically willing or able to fight over it anymore.
Member:
canter

Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 7:18 am:

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like at some point many older mares just feel like hanging up their boss hats and prefer to relax and let someone else do the work. The older mare in the adjoining pasture must be the exception rather than the rule--she isn't giving up her authority any time soon!

As to Sparkles, I'll just continue to monitor her weight more closely to make sure her buddy isn't pushing her away from too much food...and I'm not entirely sure that's the reason for the weight loss any way. We've stepped up our work and that could be part of the reason as well.

Many thanks.
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