Have you ever witnessed a battle between two Konik horses? A YouTube video that was posted on February 8, 2020, stunned everyone. The video depicts a battle between two Konik horses. In their native context, horses are herd animals that fight for leadership and breeding purposes. Stallions (dominant males), on the other hand, battle until one of them backs down or leaves. Horse battles can take place in rounds or as single events. They frequently inflict serious injuries or even death on the stallions.
Horse battles can run from 15 minutes to three hours and are frequently criticised for their ferocity and violence. “A horse battle is always exciting to watch, as they do in this movie,” stated the owner of the video ‘Ben film.’ These two horses show their might in a fight. Horses are herd animals, meaning they live in herds. The pecking order is critical for reducing violence and enhancing group cohesion. This movie was taken in the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve in the Netherlands.” Mr Ton, an electronic engineer by trade, observes the herd of 36 horses for several hours each week in order to better understand their behavior.
‘The Koniks were placed in a natural reserve and were allowed to fend for themselves,’ he explained. In order for them to remain wild, the public is recommended to keep their distance and not feed them. I search for them once a week and have done so for over a year.’ I try not to bring their attention to myself, so that their conduct in my images appears as natural as possible.’ ‘The Konik horse is one of the few horse species capable of surviving in the wild. They’re wild, but they’ve never attacked me.’
Horses are natural predators. Their survival is mostly contingent on their ability to flee from danger. They’ll only fight if they can’t flee or escape. Thus, their play (practicing survival skills) consists of games in which they control each other’s movement. They will occasionally strike or stomp with a single foot as a threat. When a frightening object approaches, they typically use both feet.
Striking, like biting, is a common activity observed during play. The horses attacking and biting one other does not mean that they are fighting. Check out the video below for more information, and let us know what you think!