15/01/2023
Cristy Palaeologus
Read the comments.
This whole thing is crap
Fact or fiction ?
The idea of the Alpha mare/stallion and asserting dominance is the pillar of some training ideologies. But does this hold any water ?
"Feral horses have no dominance hierarchies within bands, nor any need for them.The alpha leader mare is a myth. No single character initiates or leads marches or changes of activity. What provokes others to follow is determined, purposeful leaving. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that horses have a concept of authority. It is an entirely human concept" - Lucy Rees
Most of the social interactions within a herd is friendly and based on unity, it is a network of bonds based on family relationships and friendship. Expressing aggression is very rare and limited to specific instances including in**st avoidance and the rejection of inappropriate courtship.
Because of the widespread misconception of what "dominance" means, we should refrain from using it when working with out horses.
"The confusion between dominance, aggression and authority has occasioned more illtreatment of horses, to the point of sending them to slaughter, and more injury to people, than any other single point in equestrianism" - Lucy Rees
Resource:
Horses in company by Lucy Rees
