“Play is the highest form of research.” ― Albert Einstein

Wee Wild Ones – Part 3 – The Critical First Hours

Do you recall from Part II the critical timing of a new foal receiving colostrum? How is the situation different for wild horses than for domestic horses? In a domestic setting, breeders can measure the quality and antibody levels of…

Wee Wild Ones – Part II – Colostrum – How Important is it?

What is colostrum and why is it so important? Colostrum is also called “first milk”, as it is the first milk produced in the mammary glands of a pregnant mammal, including both humans and horses. It appears thick and yellowish and is…

Wee Wild Ones – Part 1 – Their First Moments

"Born wild, the only thread to survival, a wily and wise momma, the will to take one’s place in the world, and millions of years of instinct." ~Unknown Seeing a brand new foal for the first time is a magical moment. On wobbly new legs…

The Rear – Level V

“You’re a tough guy, but I’m a nightmare wrapped in the apocalypse.”  ~James S.A. Corey Said one stallion to the other!  Here we are, rearing—the fifth level of agonistic behavior and more often than not usually…

The Bite – level 4

“Any woman who is sure of her own wits, is a match, at any time, for a man who is not sure of his own temper.” ~Wilkie Collins Avoiding at all costs ‘the bite’ is wild, harem mare, Bella.  Her band stallion, Sidekick,…

The Kick – Level 4

“Always have class but always kick ass.” ~A.D. Posey The kick!  Making contact or attempting to is what the kick is all about!  Kicking and biting are both part of the fourth level of agonistic behavior.  I…

The Chase – Level 3

 “The chase and the cheap thrills don't last long.” ~Pavitraa Parthasarathy Oooooo….now it’s going to start getting exciting….the chase!  As agonism escalates the aggressor may chase its adversary at a gallop…

The Bump – Level 2

“Nothing is more revealing than movement. The body says what words cannot.” ~Martha Graham The bump, the push….I cannot tell you how difficult it was to find an image that represents this next level of agonistic behavior displayed…

The Threat – Level 1, Part 2, Mares vs Stallions

“Intruder on level one. All aliens, please proceed to level one.” ~Anna Lee I chuckle again at this quote….”Intruder on level one!” In my mind I can hear Maiden saying to the young ones..."Don't worry, I got this alien!" Maiden's…

The Threat – Level 1, Part 1 Stallion vs Stallion

“What if I take you apart and turn you into a toaster oven, how would you like that tin can?” ~Julie Kagawa I giggle when I see the first initial and most common agonistic behavior between stallions, thus the tongue in cheek quote…