Horse Behavior: Understanding the Language of Equines|Body Language |Vocalizations|Scent|Hierarchy
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Horses are majestic creatures that have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. Despite this, their behavior remains largely unchanged from their wild ancestors, and understanding their language is key to developing a strong bond with these animals.
[Evolution of the horse]: • Evolution of The Horse...
[Domestication of the horse-1]: • How Did Palaeolithic H...
[Domestication of the horse-2]: • Ancestors Of Modern Ho...
[Horses in the Middle Ages]: • Horses in the Middle A...
In case of the hierarchy i have to make a few notes there, because the hierarchy in horse herds, kinda exits, but just in a very loos way. It's true, usually there's one experienced mare, who "leads" the herd, because she knows, where to find shelter, water and food during the year. And one stallion of course, at least one adult stallion, because colt get expelled just before they come in the reproductive state, to avoid incest. They form bachelor groups, often accompanied of an older stallion, who is not longer strong enough to keep his own herd.
But back to hierarchy; even if this basics kinda exists, the social interactions are far more complex. Here i can suggest the ethological works of Mark Lubetzki. Dr. Konstante Krüger and Francesco De Giorgio as headliner. Their observations on domesticated and wild horses shown; that a herd usually is parted in far smaller groups of friends, which form smaller social circles in between the herd. Those smaller circles can raise an fall in hierarchy, as individuals of those smaller groups can too. That's because, according to the sources i mentioned before, leads to a fluctuation in what we call hierarchy. It seems that always the horse with the most situational experience takes the lead. Horses are flexible and kinda practical in that regard, what also is very important for equine-human relationship, because one as human, has to understand, that pure dominating isn't the right way, and goes against the nature of the horse. Understanding that there's no absolute hierarchy in a pyramid shape is essential. It's more like a rosette of man smaller circles, make of friends, which interact and change in the over all pattern, a bit like a kaleidoscope. I like to see the human not as leader, but as ambassador for the human world. So equine related decisions fall into the horses business, and decisions related to the equine world, to the horse.
Your bonding part is really good, i like it a lot, because you mentioned actions, which go out of the pure sport or riding. As Francesco De Giorgio said in his books; doing stuff without expectations to your horse. Sounds simple, but it's not. Also grooming is an essential part, just as you said, when right executed by the human, it can be comparable with social grooming between the horses. Also just go for a walk, explore new things and getting out of routine in a curious and playful way. Riding is a double-edged sword. Many people have to explicite expectations and stress their horses and them self. According to actual Masters like Branderup or even better Nuno Oliveiera; "Ride your horse happy." What means, that rider and horse should share the same goals and motivation. That's for sure hard to archive, simple because, as you said, every horse is an individual with his/her own talents and preferences. One cannot make a jumping horse out of a Classic Dressage horse and vice versa. See what your horse likes to do, and plan the riding training and tasks, around that. I know that by experience, because my mother adopted a super sweet Selle Francais gelding. This breed is actually a jumping breed. But he hates to jump, but what he loves (to our surprise) is the Academic Way of Training and Riding. Sure he's no talent for that, with his long legs and rectangular exterior. But he has fun during training and is so motivated. A good example i would say.
wow
@@berylemeraldnose1359 Sorry for the typos, wrote this comment, in the early morning with my first cup of coffee. But i think it's clear what i meant.
You speak from my heart. In regards to hierarchy and ethology, it's also worth while mentioning Lucy Rees who has students come from all over Europe to watch the truly wild Pottokas. They have not found any evidence of a dominance hierarchy.
I love horses ❤️
@5:34 You know utilizing a twitch is not a form of neglect. The twitch releases endorphins, allowing the horse to calm down so that veterinary technicians and/or veterinarians can do their job.
very Nice video and speach; But now Ethologist are saying there is NOT such a Dominance Hierachy as it was thought i'm feral horses (natural, not domesticate) I also think when You show the Shelter etc, it is NOT the Best ones! Horse like and need to live in herd with thier pared Friends, meet the 3 Fs for freedom, fríe ds and Forrage, not enclosed alone. Just wanted to say that but You ve done an excelente work
Useful.
I don't want to write a book in the youtube comments. There are many things to learn about horse behavior. No two horses behave exactly the same. Yes, learning about horses' social structures is essential to training and caring for such an animal. The lead horse is the role you need to be able to fill for your horse. A lead horse assumes this role through many things. The lead horse has many privileges, yes. They also have responsibilities. The other horses look to the lead horse for direction, especially when they are confused, afraid, or feel threatened. In the event of a predator encounter, the lead horse will make the decision to fight or flea. If he or she decides to fight, others will follow. There is a lot to learn. It's not as easy as simply feeding the horse, providing shelter, grooming, and maintaining. They trust their leader with their lives, and being much smaller than them already puts you at a disadvantage. They are not going to want to put that kind of trust in a in a weak and, or passive horse/person. Many horses spend their entire lives in a few acres of fence and land, not knowing what's beyond. Their owners bought them, not knowing how to care for them. They wrongfully thought feeding, giving treats, pats on the head, and kind words were going to be enough.
0:28 Cows...