[RC] personality change as mares gain status in the herd........? - Karen Sullivan
Another question.
I have had two mares in the last several years
that were extremely laid back, solid, non spooky and reliable trail
horses. One was Anglo Arab, and one is the current Arab Morgan. Both
were second under alpha mares, until my endurance mare was retired. When that
mare left, the Anglo became herd boss. She definatly changed from a ploddy
rent-type horse into a much more alert, competitve horse on the trail. It
was very nice to have the added energy with her!
Now the Arab Morgan is alpha mare. SHE has
gone from very calm trail horse to much, much more alert and a bit spooky on the
trail. She is fine on familiar trails, but more spooky in front on new
trails (age 7).
I am wondering if, when they become alpha mare,they
have some sort of added instinct to be alert?
