Herd Dynamics and how it relates to working under saddle

[wingedmare]

So, I am very lucky that most of my guys get 24/7 turn out. However, this morning I got to see first hand a little glitch in this delightful plan. Trickster has been the second on the totem pole in our pasture since he's lived there. I've noticed in the last week though that he has been a bit more agressive towards Gus the top horse and that Gus has actualy been backing off from Trickster.

This morning I rode Trickster and noticed a difference in how he was behaving towards me. All of a sudden "Mama's boy" was Mr. pushy and very "I do what I want". I was beside myself!! I couldn't figure out what was up with him. So, we had a bit of a Come to Jesus meeting and sweat was pouring from the both of us like water from a hose. Thankfully I am just THAT much more stubborn than Trickster is and he suddenly gave in and started behaving like himself again. Soft, observant, polite. It was when I put him back out in the pasture that I put two and two together and realized what was going on with him. He went out to roll and then promptly bullied Gus off his hay (No loss there, Gus needs a diet:lol:). *DING* goes the light bulb! That brat got all cocky and thought I was the next up on the list to get on top of! Huh uh buddy!

Anyone else deal with this? Or I am the only "lucky" one? LOL

[twofatponies]

I don't know. I have the alpha mare and the omega mare of the mare herd at our barn. The alpha mare is a smart cookie, and not very sociable (pleasant enough, but doesn't mind just being off on her own in the field, even if there is all kinds of stuff going on at the barn. Under saddle she learns fast, but is always ready to say "well, if you aren't going to decide what we are doing, then I will!".

On the other hand the omega mare is super sociable - the one who would follow people around the property just to see what they are doing if she weren't confined by the fence! But she seems to enjoy testing people on the ground: "maybe I can bluff my way up the ranks with these two legged horses!" though she backs down real fast if you scold her and doesn't try it again once she knows you. And under saddle she is cooperative and loves to be taken out to work.

So I can't be sure how much of their trainability and attitude has to do with herd dynamics.