Mare Questions--Any tips for a new mare owner?

[Marsha Cassada]

I have a new horse, a Foundation Shetland mare. I've never owned a mare before and was wondering if there are any health tips I need to know. Sheaths on guys, but what do mares need? When I picked up her on Thursday, the owner said she was cycling. Should I keep track so I can expect behavior changes at certain times?

She will be a driving horse. I do not breed. I only have a gelding, so that should reduce the herd dynamics somewhat.

 

[chandab]

Not quite as indepth as sheath cleaning, but they do collect ickies in the groove of their udder, I usually use baby wipes to clean it out (if she'll let you, some mares aren't too fond of being touched there).

Some mares do exhibit behavioral changes when they cycle, others do not. When she's cycling, there is a chance that your gelding will show an interest in her (my husband's saddle gelding, yes he's for certain a gelding, shows way too much interest in my APHA mare, the other saddle gelding shows no interest); since you don't plan to breed this isn't a huge issue (if you were breeding, it could be a problem, as a gelding can introduce infective agents into the repro-tract, nothing most healthy mares can't deal with).

 

[Norah]

with mares you will clean her lady parts , if she allows it , its better if you can teach her to allow it . Also I clean their vulva with just warm water and a soft cloth , they seem to enjoy that , and sometimes it can get a bit crusty when they are in season . If its real hot , a cool damp cloth feels good too . She will love you for it . Some days you and the mare will be having "off" days , on these days I just stick to the geldings , and let her be grouchy for the day . I talk to my horses in a soft soothing voice while I am doing something that they think feels nice , later they will associate you soft voice with a good feeling , this will halp build a relationship , and may come in handy with clipping , or washing parts of her body that she is unsure about . Have fun , you will love the small challenges of having a mare

 

[Farina]

I use babywipes too for cleaning, but I don't mess much with their private parts. Just a quick look every day and cleaning just when necessary.

My mares aren't moody so I wouldn't expect any problems from the beginning.

Last year we have had just one mare running with a gelding. But he showed way too much interest in her so we had to seperate them and to get another mare for company. Even if you don't plan to breed an infection of her uterus can be dangerous to her anyway.

 

[Jill]

The only mares I've owned are minis. My riding horses and pony have been geldings.

What I've noticed with the mini mares we own / owned (guessing 25 individuals over the years) is that mares can give as much as a stallion or gelding, if they're the kind who wants to. They can be moody with thier cycles, but with some, you never know by their attitudes at what stage they're in of their cycle. For me, it seems if I look at the averages, geldings and stallion have tried more or harder for me, but I have one mare who has done as much as the "boys" when I've asked her to... Just depends because, like us, they are all individuals.

Wishing you lots of fun, lots of miles, and lots of smiles with your new pony!