These Horses Taught Me Something New Today!

[@pennylane428]

I think I can help a little bit why Yoka was mounting Josie. I’ve seen my mares do it occasionally and it seems to be the ones that are in different levels of maturity… as in my older ones show more interest for some reason. It’s also a sign of dominance and Yoka is the little queen. Interesting herd dynamics today. I think Luke forgot he was a gelding for a moment😉 he is a ladies man and a great mentor to all his herd mates. Great video Graeme, thx

[@MiraNecole]

@@OdeInWessex tortoises do it as well I've seen my dominant male try to mount my other male

[@mydragonknits]

The farm where my horse is boarded has a lot of horses. One of the mares always tries to mount the other girls. This year two other mares have decided they only want each other while they are in heat. The dynamics are so interesting, it makes me wish I could read their thoughts.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I've seen that as well once in a while

[@MrPedur]

In an article published in Compendium Equine, Dr. Sharon Crowell-Davis explains that horses display the flehmen response to facilitate transfer of inhaled scent molecules (pheromones and possibly some other substances) into the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a specialized chemosensory structure found in many mammals. The VNO was discovered by Frederik Ruysch prior to 1732, and later by Ludwig Jacobson in 1813 Ludwig Lewin Jacobson (10 January 1783 - 29 August 1843) was a Danish surgeon. Once known as Jacobson's organ, the VNO has different physical forms and locations in various species of animals. In general, it is connected with the mouth, nasal passages, or both. When certain scents impact the VNO, signals are transmitted to centers in the brain's accessory olfactory bulbs. Depending on the scent detected, various physiologic and behavioral reactions may then be triggered.🐎🐴

[@StableHorseTraining]

Now that's a good bit of useful information! Thanks!

[@pamelameckley5040]

The flehman response and what it is is all that I was aware of. Thank you, very interesting! 🤗 Edit: autocorrect was not my friend today - flehman response, not freshman response. 🤣

[@suee434]

@@pamelameckley5040 Flehmen response 😃

[@pamelameckley5040]

@@suee434 oops, spelled it wrong, lol. 🙃

[@348Tobico]

Yep. I've often said that myself.

[@kelseystrouse954]

This is, by far, one of my favorite videos. I'll likely watch it over and over b/c there are so many amazing communications to analyze, lol! Not only with the trio, but it really gave Roni a perfect situation with Taikaya and, while she protects her space well, she seemed more receptive to having him nearby being as all the other horses were so preoccupied. I laughed out loud when Yoke nibbled on José's chin but said a quick no when Jose wanted to do the same, lol! Josie was amazingly confident, even for a female in heat. She went straight into a huge chat group and stood 100% strong. She was stunning! I've had female horses show great interest in each other when one is in heat and the other is on the verge( It will sometimes bring the other into full blown heat quickly) , but this interaction was exceptional. I'm so excited, lol!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yes, this was a first for me too!

[@meercatt]

Roni looks back like “don’t make it weird dude” 🤣🤣💚

[@suemick8709]

Poor Josie. It looks to me like her back legs are locked. It made me think of really bad period cramps. Biology sure is interesting. I love observing. Yoka reminded me of a squeaky toy lol.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I thought a bit about cramping too... looked uncomfortable for sure.

[@marianstroup1]

I've learned SO much every time the horses are together. The narrative really points out the subtle language going on. Yoka is fascinated with Josie! Something about her smell

[@kimberlybertrand2733]

What an interesting dynamic with these five this morning. I laughed so many times at Joka, what a little character she is. Has Gracie met Josie yet? I don't know if I missed it.

[@StableHorseTraining]

No, Gracie hasn't met her yet

[@heidikortman2534]

Alpha mares sometimes do that. I've seen videos on the Friesian Horses channel where reactions flehm-ing and stallion-like behavior happens.

[@erika7674]

To my mind, Joka's mounting gesture was more about pleasing Josie, whom she has clearly taken to, rather than dominance or anything else. Josie was definitely asking to breed and Joka's response may have been a reflex action which was quickly dismissed as being inappropriate. As for your question, Graeme, about the frequency of mares coming 'into season', I wonder whether there is an emotional element to it? As in, when a horse is in an 'unnatural' situation, such as a busy riding school, or working all day, like a farm horse, whether the instinct to breed gets suppressed, or at least overriden by the concerns of the daily work situation, whereas a horse in a more natural environment, without many work demands, has the emotional space to allow the natural instincts to come to the fore.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Supposedly Josie goes into heat a lot. I have no idea on the rest, but those are really good thoughts. Something to think on that I believe has good merit

[@AL-lz1hb]

I never thought about manes shedding for summer, but it makes sense . Yoka is still cute, so no worries. Can anyone imagine having horses and not standing and staring, enjoying?

[@netty4]

Interesting I have never seen that. I'm like you I could watch them all day I love how the horses talk to one another.

[@348Tobico]

When I had horses I loved hours spent understanding their politics. The fluid changes of interest and familiarity as well as loyalties was so interesting. And surprises happened. Our herds are not natural since geldings are included but clearly some geldings are more "male" than others. And some horses are major grumps while others are social butterflies. Then you add in how every equine relates to various humans that flit thru the paddock and just about anything may start. Also, I watched as the people present could start trouble they only made worse by interacting with their "baby". And that led to asking some boarders to move on since the person involved drove a bad dynamic among the horses who lived there.

[@joannsmith9]

Yes they do talk with their eyes

[@joannsmith9]

Some dogs do the same thing. I heard someone with Friesian horses say that sometimes when a mare is in heat another mare will do that. I think they just smell hormones and go into action

[@PirouettingFox]

What a fascinating interaction! When all of the horses were super close together, a lot of nose action going on, i was soooooo nervous. Just trying to prepare myself for lots of screaming & a mess of half kicking. I didn't want Josie getting kicked especially. It's not her fault she was stuck in the middle. But amazingly, they didn't scream or jump or kick. There was a bit of tension but went far better than I ever would have expected. It was very interesting seeing Roni protective of Takaia. I don't necessarily think this is the reason but the conversation in my head as it was happening made me laugh for sure. Like a, "Say uhh, buddy. It looks like you have your hooves full trying to protect Josie in all of uhh.. this. But don't worry, I've got Takaea for you! Good luck with that." Hahaha But as for Joka's behavior, especially having her upper lip up smelling, I strongly believe that pheromones play a huge part in Joka's behavior. I know females mounting other females in other breeds is an act of domination. I don't know exactly what was driving Joka to be so close. Maybe Joka was aware of Josie's pain. It looked to me like Josie was really uncomfortable from being in heat. Maybe Joka stayed so close to Josie to comfort her. So so very fascinating. Thank you for sharing this unique horsey behavior for us to enjoy & learn from. I hope you have a wonderful day!

[@kelsiecaswell9845]

"and now we've got the butt! .... as always... " hahaha love the video Graeme! Thanks :)

[@rstom1199]

Really appreciate your channel and seeing the workings of the herd. Always interesting.

[@joniatoms9798]

Yep! It’s my belief that horse prefer a light touch. 💞💞

[@anonymoushorse622]

I love learning about horse behavior, thank you for sharing your wonderful herd! Joka's behavior with Josie is so interesting. I wonder if she's not straight? I see other people are talking about dominance behavior, which it could definitely be. However, there were a few times Joka could've kicked Josie to make her move, but didn't, which isn't what I'd expect if Joka was trying to be dominant. I don't know a lot about horse sexuality so this is just my musings; I didn't see anyone else mentioning it so I thought I would.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I thought it was very interesting that Joka didn't kick out at all too

[@briarpelt2333]

Yeah, that's what I thought too. Between Joka _really_ liking Josie's scent (especially near her in-heat nether regions), and then trying to mount her? It just looks to me like Joka _likes her_ -likes her.

[@joytuc2608]

About Joka attempting to mount Josie, here is my limited scientific hypothsis: we know that human females have testosterone, some more, some less. I will assume female horses also have some testosterone. Joka is obviously very interested in Josie's scent and it could have trigger a hormonal reaction in Joka do act a bit like a male

[@StableHorseTraining]

perhaps something like that

[@martineinfrance]

Flehmen Graeme.. They are so cute to observe. As you say, something new each time! Horse mix is very interesting, the way they pair to co groom or be together during playtime. Roni and Takaya are beautiful together. Josy is very social.

[@StableHorseTraining]

ha! thanks.. yes, the word escaped me at the time

[@martineinfrance]

@@StableHorseTraining 👍

[@timengineman2nd714]

@ 9:00, Someone is thinking: less talk & more scratches!!!

[@StableHorseTraining]

every single day...

[@xtinet]

Hi! What a fascinating video! That whole thing with Joka and Josie was really surprising for me, I had no idea a mare would do something like that with another mare in heat. Your videos are so interesting, thank you for the up close and personal horsie stuff! Also, I hope your shoulder is better!

[@leavrhovec4992]

Josie is such a lovely and kind soul! Yoka is adorable as always. Luke getting attention from two lovely ladies...lucky guy.🤣 It's always interesting to see herd dinamics change and I believe hormones do play a role in it. Some mares get super affectionate and cuddly, while some are moody as heck when in heat. I wonder how Gracie acts during "that time of the month"...probably like her usual sassy self.

[@amandamason6699]

This was a fascinating video,all the different behaviours and conversations they were having was very interesting especially Joka and Jose and Joka’s flehmen response was hilarious 😆

[@kari8187]

Joka knows how to talk Tai’s language 🤣 oooh we’re pointing butts at each other? Ooh I can do that too! 😂

[@angelatracy7418]

Heat cycles can vary. Roughly every 21 days late spring to fall.

[@bethmccormack5172]

When they do their noses like that it's called flehmen (sounds like flimmin) they are able to draw the scent over the mucous membranes and all through the sinuses which helps them smell more completely. You'll notice Joka's nose is running which helps enhance the smell even further. And apparently Joka finds Josie's scent pleasing. It may be that she is either just out of heat or getting ready to go in? Maybe, just a thought there.

[@StableHorseTraining]

thanks for the extra info. The word itself was on the tip of my tongue and I wish I could have recalled it as I knew I'd hear about it in the comments ;)

[@bethmccormack5172]

@@StableHorseTraining I could hear you just about spitting it out. Yeah, we the peanut gallery always let you hear about it. 🤣 I find it very interesting behavior, horses do it, cats (big and little alike) do it as do members of the canine family and many other species. Some use it to smell pray (snakes, turtles) while others use it to smell pheromones (horses, etc). All part of behaviors which I enjoy studying.

[@joniatoms9798]

Rewatching to get my horsey fix ❤

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

So interesting today...I think Yoka's behavior is normal among "dominant" mares. A channel I watch is a Freisian breeding stable (some of your viewers may watch it also). When the mares are in heat the dominant mare will often display behavior similar to Yoka's...stallion like behavior. We don't think of Yoka as a dominant mare because she's so darn cute, but perhaps in a herd of Icelandics she would be a top mare. Just throwing that out there.🤗

[@amandamason6699]

Do you follow The Herd with dominant mare Uniek ? she behaves like a stallion but never see her jump up

[@StableHorseTraining]

Joka has always shown she doesn't back down from any confrontation and follows through with her requests to others. Perhaps you don't think of her that way but that's the way she's been since day one here :)

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

@@amandamason6699 Yes...I think Yvonne had one video where QU was rearing and being aggressive in the stable, but the mares were in their stalls. I think I remember Yvonne explaining this was normal for Uniek.

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

@@StableHorseTraining Yes...don't challenge the Floof...😂

[@amandamason6699]

@@gretchenchristophel1169 yes I remember that video now,I forgot about it 😆

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Very interesting.

[@pamgrat5126]

Thanks for going over names ! Beautiful place and horses!

[@triciamarie6906]

Very interesting and very much enjoyed watching! Thank you! Looks beautiful there as always! 💞 ☀️

[@sarahthomson8183]

I wonder if Yoka is also going into heat. "Non-pregnant mares experience fluctuations in testosterone levels during various phases of their estrous cycles. Testosterone levels increase along with estradiol as a mare comes into heat. Levels of both hormones peak near the day of ovulation and subsequently decline. Some mares respond to the increase in blood testosterone levels during estrus by exhibiting masculine behavior." From AQHA

[@StableHorseTraining]

I'd like to see the study done on that and how often they drew blood to prove it and with how big of a dataset and observations

[@southernskywoman]

My thought: Joka likes Josie. It's as simple as that. She thinks Josie smells good and she likes her. Multiple species are known to form same-gender attachments and this looks like that to me.

[@StableHorseTraining]

seems that way

[@EagleSoul]

This video was fascinating!!! So many behaviours🐎 BTW that response is called Flehmen very strange word🙄🤔. Watching and learning here as well Graeme 🤓. Cheers from South America Uruguay 🇺🇾

[@StableHorseTraining]

yup, thanks. I just happened to not recall it at the time

[@EagleSoul]

@@StableHorseTraining You're more than welcome. It's a really strange name🤔🤓.

[@infopubs]

Joka is in a league of her own!

[@gijsvandergugten9127]

Anyway really nice video, thank you.

[@kari8187]

Poor Josie is in a “standing heat” it’s why she keeps locking out and standing still and is so tolerant of Joka.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I've never heard of that before. Interesting term, seems accurate for where she's at

[@Lydia4Jesus_]

Cows in heat will mount each other when in heat. In fact they may try and mount us if given opportunity. Since no stallions, Joka offering some comfort? Or maybe another, gentler form of dominance?

[@StableHorseTraining]

I have no idea

[@Lydia4Jesus_]

Persistent and unexpected behavioral changes such as stallion-like behavior and aggression GCT” signs and symptoms. Study from American College of Veterinarian Surgeons. YT deleted link.

[@stephaniem1107]

Haha Luke went from ladies man to third wheel in an unexpected turn of events hahaha. And I think with the Joka and Josie situation, I feel like the behaviour is kinda normal especially with herd or group types of species. I was reading somewhere that homosexuality (I am anthropomorphising here) and same sex interactions are common in nearly every species in the world.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I have seen studies leading to that as well

[@petrahartog5934]

I guess Josie was not in a little bit of heat , but a lot . The other horses can react to her need , even other mares . I have noticed the same behaviour with cows . And Yoka has had foals I think ? Maybe that explaines why she reacts more ...I'm not sure . But it's very interesting to see this interaction .

[@StableHorseTraining]

We heard that Joka had 2 foals.

[@petrahartog5934]

@@StableHorseTraining Mares that had foals may be more sensitive to ones in heat . It's interesting to observe !

[@pamelameckley5040]

How odd: I watched "Annie Loves a Good Brushing" and this was recommended next. Already watched this one but watched again because it was such an interesting video on horse behavior. Finished this one and "Annie Loves a Good Brushing" was recommended - again! I've already watched and liked both videos. I wonder what the common denominator is, other than me being a subscriber and watching a Stsble Horse Training video, that is? Now I'm observing and trying to analyze KZbin algorithm behavior, lol.

[@StableHorseTraining]

ha! yes... the algorithm is odd indeed

[@harlcc261]

Our Holstein cows used to try to mount each other once in a while...

[@vickyb5935]

I don`t know about horses, but our female dog occassionally got up on a dog like that - something about Josie`s smell is making her high - maybe like a cat with catnip and they they would roll around in it, so Joka, liking the smell, rubs up against Josie……but I have no idea. Yes, I`ve never seen Joka so „active“.

[@vickyb5935]

Sorry Graeme - I always forget how „Yoka“ (Joka“)`s name is spelled!

[@ritakinder4452]

In cattle when the cows mount the one in heat, is when the farmer knows it is time to put the bull in, now I would think it is the same with horses,

[@StableHorseTraining]

makes sense

[@deniseheon8842]

Wow that's different but how funny! ❤️🐎❤️🐴

[@kelseylogas1580]

I don't recall seeing Joka so smooth coated and sleek. She looks great! I admit I have a great fondness for fuzzy floofy Joka though, so looking forward to that! That was really surprising behavior. Yes, why did Joka do that? And why, then, did she stop? That was a very quick motion and then as far as I can tell, she didn't do it again (unless it happened again once the camera was off?) If that was a dominance behavior why did Josie just stand there and accept it? It's my understanding that subordinate animals don't really often like dominance behaviors and might move away or kick, but Josie just stood there. And would that have happened if Luke wasn't right there? Was Joka showing off for Luke? Was Josie showing off for Luke? I have so many questions. This was completely fascinating and I always learn so much from your videos. Thanks and I'm looking forward to the next one!

[@StableHorseTraining]

It was the only time she did it.

[@laurabongard2682]

I was rather surprised that Josey is now able to approach Luke. I'm glad Roni is getting some attention. Now Yoka, I'm lost for words, lol! When Roni was looking - I think he wsa lost for words too.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Well, there are a lot of days I don't have a camera out, Luke and Josie have hung around each other quite a bit.

[@laurabongard2682]

@@StableHorseTraining , sorry for my wording above (eyes). But one thing I have noticed every single time you ask her, "What do you want?" Lina moves her butt and parks it right in front of you, lol! She's smart and knows the situations that willl give her what she wants. Make no mistake though, Lina loves you and welcomes seeing you every single time you approach her. So yes, she's smart, but above all - she loves you guys. How old is Yoca? She's smaller compared to most of the horses and so I wonder. She is amazing with the horses. She doesn't shy away from making horsey friends. Luke is wonderful with the girls, but also very helpful with the new boys. I think Mr. Wild is going to be real useful also. He seems to be real successful with the girls as well. Luke seems to be okay with it.

[@StableHorseTraining]

@@laurabongard2682 I think Joka is 15

[@laurabongard2682]

@@StableHorseTraining , a full grown Islandic? She makes me think of a dwarf horse called Houdini on my friend's horse sanqtuary. He is called Houdini because he can escape from under the fence - and always does. They have to go retrieve him often. (Yes, they need to change the fencing so he can't do that anymore, lol!) But! Houdini is the lead horse in their herd. He ALWAYS leads the herd back for meals, treats, etc. It's so funny to watch. They filmed the horses coming back from the pasture with Houdini in the lead.I don't know how herds determine leaders in the herd, but apparently to my friend's herd, they have no problem with letting Houdini lead. Maybe they just like the little guy, lol!

[@gijsvandergugten9127]

And when Josie is not on heat she will be completely different.

[@rosebeck5524]

that was an interesting video! all that lip waving from Joka. she clearly enjoys Josie's scent. maybe she just simulated a little mount out of an urge to reciprocate, like co-grooming? "see, I would if I could but I don't have the right parts and I would need a box to stand on" lol but seriously, I've seen other animals do similar things and I feel it's just normal responses to their sexual instincts. like play. one thing I am surprised at though, is your comment Graeme that they seem to go into heat a lot? I always thought horses heat was seasonal? so they don't foal in the dead of winter? or am I totally ignorant? 🙃

[@StableHorseTraining]

It's not seasonal from my experience, it's monthly.

[@rosebeck5524]

​@@StableHorseTraining wow! monthly? I had no idea. going to Google estrus in horses now. thank you Graeme!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Supposedly they don't go into heat during the winter. I wish I had time to look through my old videos to see if I have any definitive proof that they go into heat all year... I feel like they do but I could be wrong. Definitely monthly otherwise

[@junkieluv5326]

As long as I've been watching your videos I have never seen Yoka be so interested in another horse!! I'm sure it has something to do with Josie being in heat..but what is it about her Yoka is so drawn to??

[@StableHorseTraining]

not sure

[@catherinewhite4313]

Takayama says yeah I'm not getting into that....

[@kimrutkoski4182]

Dogs do it too it's kinda crazy

[@angelatracy7418]

so Joka might think to jump up on another mare who is in heat for the same reason that a female dog does it ???(I've been told it is another way to assert dominance without saying "go away") I'd forgotten about this. Joka is definitely interested and quite tolerant the way she backs up into her but doesn't kick. Is she trying to teach the geldings for the sake and future of the herd?? It is very interesting...

[@StableHorseTraining]

She's wise for sure. Not sure why she tries to mount, probably a dominance thing.

[@tammyschnedler7545]

❣️

[@virginiamoss7045]

While I've seen lots of co-grooming among the horses on this channel I have never seen them do the side-by-side/nose-to-tail thing to keep the flies off their faces with the other horse's tail. Are the flies not thick enough for that? I live in the US south and see it all the time across the south. Why not there?

[@StableHorseTraining]

I try to keep the place tidy so it reduces flies

[@virginiamoss7045]

@@StableHorseTraining Must be working. Wish they could know and appreciate your efforts. I do.

[@katherinepoletto3259]

My Grandpa Fitz always always trying to hackney horses their tails would always be dark and he talked about how cruel it was I ate myself think it's like what they do to Dobermans with their ears and their tails any of them they keep looking for him and it's like a lost limb it's horrible thanks Graham

[@Helen-xl7vs]

When cows are on heat they often mount each other, front end and back end. It's called bulling. Wonder if it's for the same reasons /behaviour

[@StableHorseTraining]

Quite a few people have commented on cows, quite interesting. I'm learning!

[@catherinewhite4313]

Why is roni left on his own?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Because he didn't brush his teeth and the other horses hate morning breath. Hahaha.... He sucks at cogrooming and has no use to most horses in that regard and overall doesn't have that good of social skills with the girls unless he can pin one on the other side of him to keep them around.

[@geminidream4347]

What I hate is seeing people smack hard their horse when they are trying to pet them for being good! And yes, washing or brushing like they are scraping tar of a floor! About docking, have you seen what they do to the Tennessee Walking horses dock? Totally disgusting and inhumane!!!

[@StableHorseTraining]

yes, I've seen a lot of that stuff, disgusting.

[@katherinepoletto3259]

Sorry my cell phone added it's own adaptions to my words doc was what I wrote or said and it's so cruel.

[@pamelameckley5040]

I agree, cruel an unnecessary. How are horses supposed to get those pesky horseflies off of them? They hurt! People do it to dogs for the look and some do it to keep the tail from tangling in the machinery they might be pulling. I guess they think it's easier than putting it in a bun. I'm surprised that people don't know that there's a solid part in the tail - how else would they be able to swing their tail otherwise? It would be like humans being able to swish their ponytails - they'd have to have a bone to control the ponytail, lol. Horses are born with just the solid part, basically.

[@royalty77724]

was she with other horses before she came to you? It seems Yoka smells Josies heat, and Lukes private area seems to be active, at the beginning when they were 3 together and Yoka was smelling. So interesting watching the behavior, yep... Luke's hormones are reacting. I noticed it a couple of time. funny

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yes, she was around other horses before here

[@hazellove2144]

😊

[@naomipommerel8415]

I love your cackle when you fixed Joka's hair 😁

[@StableHorseTraining]

cackle?? yikes

[@Helen-xl7vs]

Yep, Yoka says she agrees with you. Josie is in heat

[@justinm.1]

I was thinking Luke was gonna mate with Josie 🤔 I’m actually surprised he didn’t 🤨

[@Cellottia]

Joka seems to have developed a crush on Josie... For the moment, at least.

[@gifthorse3675]

Yoka is adorable but her fascination with Josie is strange

[@geminidream4347]

I had a female cat that would do that to my other female.

[@Jadefrost_10]

I have seen this before, it doesn't occur so often but seen it in my uncles mares, also i have seen it more often in cows, they do this when one in heat or both, dunno why, maybe hormones or something, u would expect they boys to do it, even though they gelded....but nop, females do it, it is rather weird and am curious too as to why they do it

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

Yoka seems to take liking to Josie (maybe a bit too much haha) right away, how surprising! Annie doesn't sound too worried about Roni being out the paddock, not calling out at least?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Annie calls out to me a bit but I haven't seen her call out to another horse yet. Mostly for food :)

[@gijsvandergugten9127]

Josie is needing because she's on heat and the others react to it, right?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Pretty much

[@tinachippas7075]

Absorbing video. Josie creates new relationships.

[@lynnesinclair35]

What does it mean exactly to be in season? heat mare whipping tail difficult behaviorSo-called periods of heat mirror the mare's ovarian activity. This occurs from April to October in general, and results in a succession of cycles lasting 21 days on average. Each cycle consists of a very variable oestrus phase, when the mare is in season, lasting roughly 7 days (which ends with ovulation) and then a fairly consistent diestrus phase lasting 14 days. The length of each cycle is variable for each mare, depending on the climate or living conditions. Mares generally experience their first oestrus cycle between the age of 15 and 18 months. This natural phenomenon will repeat itself each year, throughout the breeding season, with a break during the winter period. What are the behavioural signs a mare is in season? The diestrus period, lasting two weeks, often goes unnoticed whereas, for some mares, the first week of heat can be accompanied by behavioural changes and possible irritability. Ready to reproduce and accept the stallion, they can then present several external signs with varying degrees of enthusiasm: raised tails, urine squirting, winking of the vulva and other squealing noises. These signs are sometimes accompanied by aggression, stress, hypersensitivity in the kidneys and back, stiffness or even lameness. In rarer cases, the mare may show signs of colic. When a mare is difficult during the oestrus cycle, she is often difficult in a stable (or in the pasture) as well as while working: lack of concentration, clinginess, etc.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thanks for adding that info!

[@starlenekalinski5633]

I have had mostly mares and I have not seen that. I know some animals will do that to show dominance.

[@motehopper]

She is prob in heat also.

[@StableHorseTraining]

possibly!

[@lynnesinclair35]

Mares mounting other mares it seems to be a common ish thing in miniature shetlands (known a few do it), but in bigger horses it's pretty unusual, and usually considered as a potential sign of something it's something they seem to do. But not in big horses. Cattle are different.they do it very commonly. Not in the least like horses.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I'm learning more about cows from the comment section... never heard about mini shetlands, that's new to me too!

[@eileenshaw5960]

I wonder if Lena is a little bit grumpy because “her man” Roni is now shackin up with a younger woman, Annie ??? Who knows with mares?

[@jofrazier-hansen4097]

I think I've missed something here, but I haven't seen Gracie out with the new horses at all. I've seen her in her paddock but that's about all.

[@StableHorseTraining]

She was with Taikaya in one video. Also, I don't take video all the time, so yes, you're missing out on 98 percent of what goes on around here.

[@wandabissell]

Luke appears to be a bit narrow behind....what's going on with his haunches?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Nothing really, but as people keep asking I answered that in yesterday's video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp2uaKh-e6xqqbM

[@virginiamoss7045]

All I know is that female dogs will mount other dogs, male or female, especially when the play gets rambunctious. I'm told it's a dominance move. Horses, of course, are not dogs. Yoka seems inspired by whatever she is smelling.

[@KnutFan]

Over on the Frisian horses channel there is the dominant mayor, Uniek, displays a lot of “stallion behavior.” There are several videos up showing this. I have not seen any of her mounting another mare but it sounds like she regularly displays behavior that shows she may have a higher level of testosterone. That’s just my guess though

[@joniatoms9798]

Joka is adorable today. Her tail is quite beautiful too!!! Mounting by same sex mammals can just be about dominance by yeah for horses hmmmm 🤔 also female humans that are around each other all the time tend to cycle together. But it does seem outwardly that Joka is having some innate responses 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️ Flehmen Response

[@cattamerann]

Mares do that when one or more are in heat, especially the dominant mare/mares.

[@calypso4554]

Joka thinks she is a little stallion. It's a very "mixed" behavior. One part is showing dominance, another part is that Josie is in heat, and it can be that Joka likes Josie very much and the hormones produced of Josie support the behaviour. Very, very seldom it can be that the "jumping" mare has problems with her ovaries, but as Joka normally does not show this kind of behaviour I think that's not the case here.

[@StableHorseTraining]

A jumping horse would have a problem with their ovaries? Is that an anecdote or proven by science? What was the problem?

[@calypso4554]

@@StableHorseTraining the thing seemed to have been, that the hormones of the particular mare changed and when the vet looked at her they found some tumor at the ovaries. But it is hearsay, I never witnessed directly a case like this. I just wanted to mention it, just in case. I am truly sorry if I caused a concern. Joka will probably change the behaviour when Josie is not in heat anymore.

[@StableHorseTraining]

@@calypso4554 No worries at all, I wasn't concerned about Joka, just skeptical as I expected it was anecdotal. The other idea I thought was perhaps it was a hammer looking for a nail kind of thing where without enough data or a large enough set of data, it's really not quite provable and instead a hypothesis for now.

[@helenflores7611]

Hormones, oI think. Dogs that r more dominant do it.

[@joniatoms9798]

Yep! It’s my belief that horse prefer a light touch. 💞💞