According to American Mustang, a leading expert on wild horses in the US, there are close to 73,000 of them on-plain. That means these amazing animals run free and fend for themselves. By nature, wild horses band together. They create “families” that consist of mares, stallions, and fouls.
Fighting to reign supreme
As wild stallions begin to age, younger studs come around to try to steal their band of mares. While it’s hard for a lot of people to understand, these magnificent creatures fight each other. Unfortunately, some get injured and even killed as a result. But more often, they stick with their band or at some point, take a lower place in the pecking order.
Part of life
While humans hate to see animals fight, it’s all part of their normal life. Especially for anyone interested in learning about wild horses, it’s important to understand how they live and survive.
A phenomenal video
Just a few days ago, an incredible video was uploaded showing two wild stallions fighting. In that short time, it’s already been viewed more than 3.4 million times. It begins with a band of horses quietly grazing in a grassy field.
But then things change
You see two stallions sizing each other up. They’re both big and powerful. Each has a band of mares and they want to keep it that way. They put their heads down and begin pawing the ground. Both of these are signs of what’s to come.
It’s a challenge
The one stallion doesn’t want the other stud to embark on his territory. So, he uses different body movements to let the other horse know he means business. For a minute, the one stallion turns away while the other one continues to paw the ground.
The face-off
But rather than walk away, one of the stallions circles back. Now, the two of them are face to face. If you listen closely, you can hear them snorting. You’ll also notice the mares have all moved out of sight.
Things start to intensify
Even watching the video, you can feel the tension rising. Although they’re still sizing up the situation, it’s only a matter of time before things erupt. And they do.
It’s on
As the stallion with the dark mane walks away, the other one bolts after him. His mouth open, he’s trying to get a bite. Then before you know it, both wild horses are on their hind legs. With their ears laid back, they’re not playing around.
It’s a turf war
At this point, both stallions are kicking their front legs, hoping to strike the other. As they come back down on all fours, the one horse keeps pawing the ground. He’s not happy and wants his foe to know that he’s not backing down.
Keeping his mares together
Yet, they both turn to walk back to their respective bands. It’s as though they want to make sure they’re okay. But then something unexpected happens. One of the mares rushes off toward the other stallion’s band. Following behind is her stallion.
Considering the mare stays, the stallion returns to his band. While the fight didn’t last long, it probably won’t be the last scuffle these two go through. Most people never get to witness a fight between wild horses yet it’s something that happens all the time. You can watch the encounter by clicking on the video below. And in case you’re wondering, neither of the stallions were hurt.
‘Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: YouTube, American Mustang
