Age and group residence but not maternal dominance affect dominance rank in young domestic horses.

The research critically examines the factors that influence dominance position among young horses. The study underscores the influence of age and group residence but does not validate the direct effect of the maternal dominance position on the dominance position of the offspring.

Objective of the Study

• The aim of the research was to decipher the role of various variables including maternal dominance in determining the dominance positions among young horses. The study tested the hypothesis that maternal dominance position, coupled with differences in suckling parameters or maternal style, might influence the offspring’s dominance position, as indicated by index of fighting success (CB) and rate of winning encounters (RW).

Methodology of the Study

• The study involved 8 groups of Kladruby horses composed of loose-housed lactating mares with foals, and four groups of the same foals at 3 years old.
• Through the observation of these horses, the study sought to uncover the potential mechanisms of dominance position inheritance and the variables that contribute to the formation of dominant-submissive relationships among horses.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study revealed a significant effect of age on the dominance position in young horses while the maternal dominance position had no direct effect. Older foals reached higher dominance positions, irrespective of the dominance position, age, or experience of the mother. This negates the hypothesis of direct inheritance of maternal rank.
• The research also uncovered an important constant effect of the mother on the social success of the offspring, which was evidenced by the fact that foals born to the same mare in two consecutive seasons showed considerable consistency in achieving the same dominance position at 3 years of age.
• However, there was no significant effect of any tested variables describing maternal characteristics or maternal care on the dominance position of the offspring.
• The study also found that the foal’s age at the time of observation and the residence in the herd significantly impacted the dominance position. The most dominant horses predominantly came from the first-weaned group of the season, indicating that older individuals in the herd were likely to become the most dominant.

Future Directions

• The research concludes with the suggestion for further investigation into the role of foal personality and mare style, and their association with possible dominance behaviors in a herd.