Basic Wild Social Behavior - Horses

what is the difference between wild and feral horses

wild horses have never been domesticated, while feral horses were domesticated and then returned to the wild

are the most free-ranging horses wild or feral

most are feral, not truly wild

what is the typical social group structure of wild horses

one stallion, 1-3 mares and their offspring

do horses live in large herds or family groups

family grouping with long-term relationships

how long do offspring remain with the herd

until independence, usually 2-3 years

can family groups combine with others

yes, family groups may band together temporarily or permanently

can family groups combine with others

yes, family groups may band together temporarily or permanently

how do stallions protect mares with new foals

by actively circling them

when do foals begin social play

by 2 weeks of age

do stallions interact with foals beyond protection

yes, stallions participate in grooming the young

do mares recognize all foals in the herd

no, mares reject foals other than their own (individual recognition)

how do mares develop recognition of their foals

it is learned over time

do horses have preferred social partners

yes, typically one or two preferred partners

at what age do mares leave their natal herd

around 2-3 years of age

what happens to young males during dispersal

they leave at a similar age and usually join bachelor groups

which horse traits are unfavorable for domestication according to Hale

family groupings, strong social bonds, and territorial tendencies

are horses domesticated successfully

yes, but their natural social structure conflicts with some domestication criteria, requiring management adaptions