I don't know about being "smarter" than the domestic horses, but the mares that have been out on the range before I got them sure are more..."clever". They plan their movements ahead of time, such as when I was trying to catch that mare. She figured it out way ahead of time that she was being cornered and we had a time pushing her into a corner. They also seem to see all around them and just dont spook very often. I ride out in the hills alot with them and they dont ever spook when rabbit jumps out from under them or a coyote darts out in front of us. I sometimes feel like they knew it was there long before it moved. They are always alert too, ears perked forward and paying attention to things, yet still very calm and gentle.
Many times I have almost been unseated when riding my mare Cheyenne, a domestic mare, and rabbits or other critters show themselves too close to her. She is a great mare, but she just seems to forget to watch her surroundings.
As for in the pasture, I have troubles with the mustang mares wanting to lead the pack. They both seem to want to be "lead mare" and we have an appy mare that doesn't feel ready to relenquish that title yet. Some nasty fights break out and they have been together for 5 yrs now. And you NEVER call a Mustang in late to eat. They think of their gut first and foremost. haha.
Hope this helps some.
Becky
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The one and only truly wild ride!

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