Help !!! Moody Mares

[ninajh]

Help needed
About 6 months ago I took on a 10 year old ex-racer, mare. As I have had only had geldings I am in unchartered territory.

Since I took her on we had a slight incident, at the very beginning of rearing whilst out hacking, she was in season at the time. This was a one off and has steadily improved since with no repeats.

Recently, I made a mistake in having a lesson with someone who asked more of both myself and the mare was ready for, which did not help the bit between her ears.
She has also come back into season. We now get on board and leave the yard sideways, In the school we cat leap around if I can get her going forward. I am now at the point where I have gone back to basics with her and working her on the lunge doing a bit of basic parelli, which she is working beautifully at, she is so wanting to please.

When not in season she has been working really well.

Is this normal?
Does anyone have any ideas?

[chestnuttymare]

I have had brooke on Naf Oestress for years. I took her off it a couple of years ago to see if there was a difference. She was back on it within days
I also have her on magnesium and a low starch diet which i think has really helped too.
Mares rock

[ldf]

oooh yes Oestress for ML too by the bucket load

[bingbong]

off subject a bit but i was reading in the paper that magnesium also help PMT (moody mare syndrom) in humans!!!! i didnt know that

[jose]

There are various supplements on the market for mares - you may just need to try a few before you find one that suits yours.

[Margo + Sara]

My little mare Pepsi gets VERY moody when she is in session so you're not alone! thankfully for me she isn't a rearer or a bucker and just gets on with it but its getting her tack on I struggle with she just spins round =/ Bless her little heart Sorry I cant really be any help but I hope you find a solution soon =) Dont give up! haha xxx

[kookie1988]

Iv had my mare 2 years now and having worked mainly with geldings and stallions I know exactly what you feel like! One friend recently put it to me that mares are like stallions: they are still 'entire'! Until 4 months ago I couldnt even tell when my mare was in season, she was always so sweet. But after a yard move and her going out for the first time 24/7 in summer she has become very aggressive with other horses. I have basically realised that she is looking after herself as its a large herd she lives with. Im now used to telling people to keep a safe distance from her with their horses, and I have conquered the stable aggression.
Underneath it all she is still her sweet self, but it shows that mares are so changeable depending on environment and moods even outside of their season.
I tried a mare supplement but found it made little difference. I have learned to manage her behaviour and be aware of her body language. I also think its really important to let mares understand who is boss in a firm but kind manner. They need to respect you otherwise they begin to make decisions for themselves, not always the decision you would have chosen!
I know some people who choose not to ride their mare when she is in season as they appear sore behind the saddle. They simply use the time to work on groundwork and lunging.

[mellj]

I have the opposite problem with Ellie...she acts like a tart when in season and just prior to and just after she pulls faces...she is alot better now than when I first got her, but she had had 5 foals and so was prob expecting a visit to the stallion! LOL

Incidentally the only time I had issues with her being in season and her saddlery was when her saddle didn't fit and it was hurting her back! Since then she has been no different to ride :-)

[dillon]

Hi everyone quite new to this site. for your moody mare i would suggest hormonise. its chaste berry,doesnt cost the earth and has worked wonders for the moody mares i have had. two years ago was in unchartered territory with mares. I now have two!! (my ex racer a boy though) you also must remember that mares get pmt just like women and also suffer 'period pains' just like women to varying degrees. your mare may be in agony.they are so different from geldings as essentially they are entire! a lot more respect is required.hope it all goes well persevere as mares are so,so rewarding.(if a little moody!!!!)

[lisah]

Thanks guys for all the advice - very helpful xxxxx