Quite frankly, I dont know how the stallions cope with all of the stress of guarding their mares from the never-ending challenges of young bachelor males. The fighting to keep the coveted position of the dominant breeding stallion is constant, nothing like the "rut" of elk or moose which lasts a few weeks during the fall. It is truly an example of survival of the fittest, only those stallions possessing the strength, stamina, and intelligence necessary to win and successfully maintain their breeding status will father the new generation of mustangs.