Horse performs escapology in viral video
Image: Mariska
A horse that has learned how to escape from its stable by teasing a lock with its mouth has become an internet sensation.
Mariska the pregnant mare, who lives at a small family-owned farm in Michigan, US, is causing havoc among her carers and fellow equids at the Misty Meadow Farm stables.
Not only does Mariska tease the lock on her own stable door then push it open with her nose, but she then proceeds to free the other Fresian horses that live alongside her.
Describing her as "kind of like the farm mascot", Mariska's carer Sandy says she is sweet, mischievous and extremely smart.
"She is loved dearly, but tends to cause us many moments of frustration as she is pretty convinced that doors were made to be opened," reads the farm's blog.
"[Mariska] has had many, many people viewing and leaving wonderful and fun comments. We have had just a blast sharing this video with so many people from all over the world! Now I am left wondering what else our girl Mariska could do. If she does this without any training, what might she accomplish with training.
"I will be exploring possible trick training options for her in the future and would love any opinions pro or con, and any information and names of respected trainers or techniques that might help us to give Mariska an outlet for her mischievousness."
A video of her escapology habits, named Mariska A.K.A Houdini, has reached over half a million views on YouTube. However, since the video went viral, concerns have been raised over Mariska's weight.
"Yes, we have a weight problem with Mariska, right now she is in foal and of course now she is eating for two… I would like to see her lose 100 lbs for an end weight of 1180 [lbs]," adds Sandy, who says she is Mariska's "diet buddy".
Click here to watch the video of Mariska performing "escapology".
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
