I remember the first time I noticed my mare Boca was an alpha mare, leader of the herd. She was only 5, I was only 16. She was a very high-strung, spirited, spooky, tense, and nervous young horse. None of those qualities spoke “leader” to me. She and a few other horses she didn’t know were turned out in an indoor arena for a short time during the lunch break of a clinic I was attending. We watched to make sure everyone was getting along, and it seemed to be very quiet. The horses were relaxing and munching on some stray pieces of hay. Something startled Boca and she took off running around the arena, and the other two horses followed her. There was an older horsewoman who owned the facility standing next to me and she said, “That horse is an alpha mare. See how she’s leading the herd.” That blew my young mind. I hadn’t seen Boca interact with many other horses yet, and in my mind, she seemed way too fractious to be a good leader. However, from a prey animal’s perspective, she was a very good leader. She was alert and perceptive to potential danger and would make a split-second decision to get out of Dodge.

Boca is turning 21 years old this May, and over the many years we’ve been together I’ve had many opportunities to observe her leadership in action. Years ago, when she was put with a very dominant pony named Elias for the first time, she turned and double-barreled at him until he got out of her space and left her alone. She read him instantly, matched his intensity, and became his alpha immediately. I’m sure he tested her on occasion, but it was nothing as noticeable as that first encounter. They usually looked peaceful and they have been close buddies for over a decade.

Boca and Elias napping together.

She did the same thing again years later when a bossy mare named Flower was introduced to her. Flower was known for chasing other horses relentlessly as well as being quite dominant with people around feed time. When she first met Boca she tried to run at her and get Boca to move. Boca stood her ground, pretending to graze, and when Flower got close enough Boca turned around and double-barreled at her. Flower tried to chase Boca a few more times over the next few days, but Boca would not yield. Boca also took control over the resources. Flower wasn’t allowed in the run-in shed, or anywhere near Boca’s hay pile. This continued for a few weeks, and when Flower finally conceded to Boca, she was allowed in the run-in shed.

When I got my new horse Paris, I was told that the only interactions she had had with other horses after coming off the track were not positive. Paris was a bully and chased the other mares around the paddock tirelessly. After Paris had a few months to settle in at her new home with me she was introduced to Boca and Flower. I knew Boca would not be chased by Paris. And I knew Boca would not let Flower chase Paris unfairly, or Paris chase Flower. I trusted that Boca would teach Paris a lesson on boundaries and fair leadership. Boca did exactly what I expected her to do. It looked very similar to when Boca met Flower, except this time Boca also kept Paris from interacting with Flower. It was a rough few weeks. Paris kept pushing the boundaries and Boca held her ground every single time. If I learned only one thing during that time, it’s that Paris is very intent on pushing the boundaries and the energy that Boca had to use to get through to her was quite extreme. No wonder Paris is such a challenge for me! Paris will still occasionally push the limits with Boca, but generally, they now have a peaceful relationship and definitive herd hierarchy with Boca at the top.

Flower is grazing, Boca is out of the frame also grazing, and Paris is trotting directly at Boca with quite a bit of energy.

Boca stops grazing and starts cantering towards Paris with her ears flat back. She will not allow her to trot into her space with that type of energy. She is setting this boundary very early on in the relationship.

Boca is now separating Paris from Flower. She is taking control and protecting her herd (Flower).

Paris is coming back for more. This time Boca and Flower drive her away. Flower is initially walking towards Paris with her ears back while Boca starts cantering towards her with her ears flat back. Boca knows that in order to get through to Paris she’ll need to do more than walk.

Again, Boca is separating the “intruder” (Paris) from her herd (Flower).

Boca is matching Paris’ energy.

Flower has returned to grazing while Boca ensures Paris stays away.

Paris has decided to keep her distance (for now), and Boca goes over to Flower.

Boca is now moving Flower from her grazing spot. (Notice the difference in the amount of energy that is used).

Things have settled down for now. Flower has returned to grazing. Boca is standing watch, and Paris is watching them both, from a distance that is acceptable to Boca. 

These stories and pictures may make Boca sound mean, but she’s not. She’s tough yet clear, and other horses really like her! Paris was obsessed with meeting her and becoming part of her herd. Boca doesn’t accept poor or dysfunctional behavior. She would not let Paris trot at her or invade her space. She only accepted her when Paris showed calm and submissive behavior (which took a few weeks)! Boca has met many other horses with very little excitement. If she reads the horse as not a threat, and respectful of her leadership, hooves don’t fly. She is a great read of energy and intention!

Boca’s herd today. Paris and Flower are sleeping while Boca stands watch.

Boca has taught me so much about what it takes to be a good leader for a horse. She is firm, fair, clear on her expectations, consistent, and never waivers. She reads horses instantly and matches their energy immediately. She is tough when she needs to be, and soft when she needs to be. She doesn’t let something slide one day, and not the next. She either allows it, or she doesn’t. She fiercely protects her herd and quickly builds trust with her followers. She is such a good example of leadership, and I try every day to emulate it.

Ponying Paris off of Boca. Here, I am the alpha mare 😉