Watch this Alpha Mare do her job! Understanding herd dynamics.

I will give you play by play observations of the alpha mare and herd dynamics. #equestrian #americandreamfarm #horses

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

I've had people yell at me about mares being stupid, that stallions are the only decision-makers in the herd. But the lead mare is super important in wild herds because she knows water routes, and teaches them to other mares. Mares have also been observed returning to stallions of their choice, even when being in another herd (as part of study of monogamy in nature.) The idea that mares just sit around waiting for stallions to tell them what to do when they make up 90% of the herd is really foolish.

[@lonesparrow]

I don't know a lot about horses so I could be wrong, but I think the stallion makes more of the decisions about protecting the herd as a whole and the lead mare makes more decisions about the little interpersonal conflicts. I suppose it could vary by their personality as well.

[@Lin-co9jd]

​@@lonesparrowThe job of the stallion in the wild is to stay behind and protect the retreat AS the lead MARE gets them out of danger.

[@Maski110]

Never asked these people how herds with no stallion manage to survive?

[@Americandreamfarm]

Truth! If there is one thing that I have a hard time listening too is people ranking on mares. Mares indeed play a very important role in a herd, even more so in a wild herd, and when it comes to having a relationship with a mare, a mare will give you their complete heart and soul and devote themselves to you. I have known so many amazing mares.

[@tristadav]

I love this- I studied primate behavior and basically am interested in all animal behavior. You have some lovely horses!

[@Americandreamfarm]

Thank you so much!

[@sonja437]

Thank you so much for explaining these herd dynamics, I really appreciate it.

[@Americandreamfarm]

It's my pleasure.

[@tansiwolf8281]

I love that you're not interfering with the herd dynamic, to many folks would get involved with no idea of whats actually going on! Much respect.

[@Americandreamfarm]

I appreciate you saying that. We humans cannot and should not try to control everything our horses do. Once the horses settle this among themselves it will be settled and over. We have to remember they are prey animals therefore they think differently than we do.

[@charliewhon6548]

It looks to me that the chestnut may have been upset because the black mare was grazing close to your paint mare. We know that horses protect resources; food shelter water. They were grazing, so it could be your chestnut may be trying to run the black off so she could graze near the paint mare. Since the alpha gets to eat wherever she wants to first, being next to the alpha means getting a pretty darn good grazing spot in your pasture almost all the time. The way the chestnut came into the paint mare’s space and buttered her up, and then snaked her neck and ran the black off, then went and passive aggressively went to the water and waited while almost your whole herd started grazing in that very spot that the black had been grazing. Then the chestnut came back and pushed the black far enough away from the paint to be bossy without getting a harsh reprimand. If I had to guess, the black mare is younger than the chestnut too, and “big sister,” was feeling like the grazing arrangement was unfair.

[@Americandreamfarm]

Nicely done! And, we all know the triangle of 3 females never works, even in the human world 🤣

[@susandivirgilio4551]

I wish people would stop assuming that every pinto is a Paint. That is NOT the case.

[@charliewhon6548]

@@susandivirgilio4551 I believe the narrator said it was a paint, if I’m not mistaken. I know the difference between a pinto coloring and the paint horse breed, as well as the skewbald, piebald coloring, and the tobiano and overo patterns. Thanks for caring so vehemently though.😊

[@sallyshipwreck4315]

Interesting bit about exchanging breath. I've done that with horses. Don't know why I felt compelled to do that but they were always interested.

[@brendaclark5185]

Me too

[@elizabethhauck2495]

Love your narration...horse psychology love it!

[@rosegarza676]

They are beautiful. I love to see healthy happy animals. Even with their little tiffs.

[@frenzyviz6296]

Very interesting. I was just really expecting Fleur to be more obviously telling June off, but it’s so subtle that, without your explanation, I wouldn’t have realised she was being disciplined. I was involved with horses many years ago, but no-one ever explained their body language and communication.

[@normasandaluck311]

Great explanation of herd dinámics. ❤

[@user-vy7iw4lf5o]

I have never been around horses and your videos are amazing. I had no idea they are so lovely and funny. They are like a family that squabbles from time to time. But are still family.

[@Americandreamfarm]

You have just made the best analogy possible to explain how the herd gets along =]

[@lulumoon6942]

Horse days are over, but still always learning and love your analysis, thanks! 🐴😍🐎

[@Americandreamfarm]

Thanks so much!

[@amzlee998]

what? horse days are over? they never beeen more alive

[@juliekeeney1538]

They communicate as well as we do without even speaking

[@user-hs8me2ps7n]

I love this explanation. So fascinating ❤️

[@Americandreamfarm]

Thank you =]

[@gardenvarietyvegan4096]

That is so interesting! Thank you for sharing

[@anneg8319]

Jax is shinning like a new copper penny! Glad KZbin picked you. Just subscribed.

[@LisaHart17]

I love how calm and fair Fleur is. She listens to June's complaints about the black horse but says 'you still can't beat up on her'. Toward the end of the clip Fleur seems to support June as much as keep her from the black. Lovely, calm and harmonious herd. 🙏🏽

[@AMS7200]

What excellent narratives. I have three horses, and it is very interesting to see my Alpha mare manage the two geldings.

[@suzannechance5876]

Elephants are very similar in that they exchange breath to ascertain what is happening with others..

[@Jesus-od5ho]

There is so much we can learn about ourselves watching horses

[@MsShyla222]

You are the most explanatory on the interaction and I enjoy that. Working in dog rescue for almost 24 years I learned to study body language. You explain in such a concise way and I’ve learned so much. Thank you!

[@Americandreamfarm]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words.

[@amber4614]

Super interesting to watch. I appreciate your commentary.

[@darlamiller9989]

This was awesome to watch while you explained it! Thank you.

[@megadylanthomas]

Your horses are beautiful, healthy and well cared for. Well done.

[@Phlowermom]

That was impressive as all get out!!

[@AgentRains]

What might have June done? Or why is June going after her? Very interesting ty for showing!!

[@cathietonkin5577]

Thank you so much! I find this amazing and such a learning experience!

[@micheleheddane3804]

I had a little pony who was not long castrated I put him out for the summer with about 20 horses he thought he had died and gone to heaven ,he was quickly set right by the head mare ,he came home with much better manners

[@annmarieschantz9724]

Very interesting, the sound was difficult to hear.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

So interesting!

[@ThePrairieChronicles]

Ohhhh, I suspect like with many situations (including with kids) there's some _history_ here. Lol. It's not so much about who started what _today_ . 😂 It's ongoing. Horses, like kids, have amazing memories, hold grudges, have an acute sense of justice, friendships and loyalties. Meanwhile, Jaxx is the typical senior citizen who says, "I'm too old for this nonsense." 😂🤣 Sending love to you and yours (two legged and four legged), from Alberta, canada. Thanks for sharing this video. - Azaryah

[@donnadiesburg7451]

YES THANKS FOR TELLING ME THIS AS I NEVER KNEW! I JUST SUBSCRIBED!

[@peelingoffthelayers]

Thank you.

[@thomasbuhlmann6437]

It is so important, if you have a group of horses, to have enough space and to watch them from time to time, to learn how they interact and to see the importance of the role of the alpha mare. And to let them do what nature tells them. Humans have to stay out. Horses know it better.

[@laurelflint1866]

Thank you for explaining this. I found it very interesting.😊

[@Americandreamfarm]

It's my pleasure.

[@susandivirgilio4551]

I had taken my 2 yr old granddaughter to see my friends horses. In the group there was a yearling Morgan a 23 yr old Thoroughbred among others. The yearling was being fresh and the Thoroughbred corrected. Sam told the Thoroughbred to be nice, to Tan Tan. I explained that Tan Tan was being fresh and Teddy was telling him to cut it out. She turned to the yearling, Tan Tan, shook her finger at him and told him, "You be nice to Teddy. He's old." Tan Tan shook his head up and down, put his head down and was submissive. A horse whisperer in the making 😊

[@janicewink4614]

Beautiful horses!

[@angelawolgast2960]

Beautifully explained ❤

[@LAStars-sratS]

That’s a very healthy looking 25yr old. 👍

[@jacky3580]

In wild herds the stallion is always guarding his harem. He’s got lots to do as other stallions are constantly trying to steal mares. The lead mare is the matriarch, she’s very important. She knows the water holes, the safe spaces. It’s fascinating.

[@michellegarry1872]

Well, as the owner of a gentle buckskin who is low man on the totem pole, I HATE herd dynamics! I have to keep a no-chew fly sheet on to prevent bites. He loves his fly mask, even tries to put his nose in it when I start to put it on him. But someone among the 4 herd mates will not permit it to be on him. I even resorted to a breakaway halter and a more expensive mask with the loop that the poll part of the halter goes through. Today, I found the halter off but intact covered in mud. The mask was literally torn to shreds. If I could figure out the guilty culprit there would be some changes made. But I’m a boarder so my hands are tied. Fortunately the sheet is intact and he has no bites. Today, after seeing the remnants of the mask, I thought for sure he would be missing an ear or an eye. But nope. Thank goodness.

[@AMS7200]

I would take it to the manager and start looking for a new boarding facility. Horses can hurt each other badly. 😢Sometimes we have to intervene.

[@herpderp3916]

The girls having their drama while the guys just stay out of it, lol

[@Americandreamfarm]

Lol! Business as usual.

[@pamelaleebabcock281]

That's really quite beautiful ❤️

[@brendaclark5185]

I saw Fleur(?) give June the "stink eye" and an ear tilt the same way Grandma checks her misbehaving kids at church. The whole "Don't make me come over there...!" vibe. That's when June abandoned everything and focused on chomping grass. I hope they work it out.

[@maryanncannon5844]

Thanks for sharing

[@Americandreamfarm]

It's my pleasure!

[@AMS7200]

All Alphas and stallions aren’t as kind as Fluer. They can hurt each other so sometimes you have to intervene. 😊

[@constancecondit4349]

Interesting. Thank you.

[@Americandreamfarm]

My pleasure =]

[@angelinasouren]

So cool.

[@brendaclark5185]

Awesome ❤

[@AgentRains]

Ps what happens if a horse is kicked out? Will you have to separate them or will they eventually fix it?

[@cybertronicgamer9589]

They will fix it on their own, if they got a nice sized field they can keep a distance from each other till the herd leader allows them back in. If the herd leader kicks at the horse its for a reason.

[@mrsmcdonald9363]

When the lead mare is satisfied that the offending horse is ready to "play nice," she'll require an apology and let that horse into the herd again. The apology is the head down, walk slowly, touch noses behavior we see here.

[@margaretkenny8654]

Amazing ❤

[@lilalaunelurch]

When the mares sort out their stuff the boys tend to keep their noses out of it (i have seen geldings stop violent fights tho) I don't think that Fleur necessarily wants to protect the black mare but wants her dominance to be acknowledged (esp. over the chestnut mare). We also see interesting behaviour when the black horse gets pushed she pushes the white and brown horse in return to make sure that he/she does not get the idea that he/she can push her around as well. If i had to guess what happened before, i'd say, that the chestnut challenged Fleur who probably did not even flinch and now the pressure is moving down the pecking order. Interesting stuff! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@leftyfromtx3401]

That was very interesting

[@christijacobs3199]

If more people would take the time to watch and then time to understand their horsemanship would improve 1000%

[@Americandreamfarm]

Truth! That is the whole purpose of my YOuTube channel. I will keep trying for ever for the sake of the horses.

[@suep9445]

Nice demonstration with explanation! When I had 7 dogs (bio matriarch, younger sister & matriarch's 5 kids - out of 10)... the dynamics really became obvious to me. Abby the alpha mom, wouldnt let anyone in the rain shelter I set up. I also learned there are limits to what i could or should do about it. Interfering created more conflict.

[@Americandreamfarm]

100 %!

[@darlenemckay265]

I've seen behavior like this with my own horses!❤

[@cynthiacarter514]

Who knew a herd is like playing on the playground.

[@lmarislmarislmaris4271]

Chestnut was being kept from the water by the dark bay mare. Once she dtank, she is fine. The dark mare & her sycophant are being mean girls.

[@RobinTaylorLandry]

Figures that the chestnut mare would be causing problems.😂

[@susandivirgilio4551]

By the way, gorgeous horses.

[@LaughingblueSu]

Mares! Almost as bad as the gals at my senior center!😂

[@DeborahCrumbliss]

Wait is Boone a stud still??

[@louisegogel7973]

Landscape videoing help please!

[@RobinTaylorLandry]

I have a young colt and it’s almost time for him to go out with fillies to learn some manners.

[@christinegivens9048]

Mean girls. 😂

[@betsysmall3576]

How does Warwick say there is no such thing as a pecking order?

[@Americandreamfarm]

I don't know, and I love Warwick, but I see the pecking order here in real life every single day. I do think there is some confusion with some people thinking the pecking order is linear because that is not always the case.

[@SamanthaManning-xy8fu]

It’s like when that one guy who said there was no such thing as alpha wolves. He was right when pointing out that pack dynamics can be influenced by captivity, but in the wild the parents and their offspring with the strongest personality tend to be high up on the pecking order. There was a couple who chose to live with wolves and they observed how personalities affected their status in the pack. Wolves who had the most timid personalities tended to be bullied so severely that they would be driven from the pack.

[@badeugenecops4741]

When a horse is being a dick on our farm, that gets them moved. I don't like shithead horses. The toughest part is putting horses together that get along. If a mare is being a shit, I give her a male. I strive for happy, secure, RELAXED, GOOD VIBES in the pastures. Not sayin you're doin anything wrong-just the way I do it. I just don't need the stress.

[@msmccorm1]

The alpha fallacy is the idea that rank is determined and maintained by physical strength and dominance.

[@catherinemann3378]

i would put chesnut in another paddock, cause may be sensitivity to land energy like wildfire season or flooding elsewhere. Animals need help not to use "scapegoats" when they feel bad for unseen reasons. You can tell them this as they sense if you're confident in what you say to them. You as caretaker...helping them get some trust and spirit maturity towards Creator who knows about land energy drops letting pesky things fly into mind conscience.

[@robynwilliams460]

Interesting. Thank you.

[@Americandreamfarm]

It's my pleasure =]