Advice and help with mares!

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Parkranger

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It's been 18 years since I've owned a mare - said I'd never have one again and have now brought one!

She's a lovely little thing, but quite nervy on the ground with new people - don't think this is helped by her being stuck out in a field for a year.

So I popped in the field to see her last night and she's in the field with a mare who's just been separated from her foal (and is also in foal again)......she was quite dominant towards me and had a little squeal at me!
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Managed to get near to her and give her a pat but interested to understand the language - I always thought squealing was a dominance thing? She spends most of her life with her ears back aswell - moody cow!

Ty is going to his new home on Saturday so I'm going to start bringing her in at night and getting her into a routine on the ground....any other suggestions? We're going into winter now so I'm hoping that seasons are coming to an end, but may consider something herbal next spring?
 
I would say give it time and make friends with her - once mares know and trust you they can be the most loyal, loving partners!

Be confident and just treat her firmly. Whats the saying...Ask a mare, discuss with a stallion and tell a gelding? That is probably the wrong way round.
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Whats the saying...Ask a mare, discuss with a stallion and tell a gelding? That is probably the wrong way round.
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[/ QUOTE ]

Yes I think that is right
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definately have to ask my mare politely and discuss with my stallion. My gelding would just do as he was told lol
 
I adore mares - would hesitate if I got offered a gelding!!
Some mares would squeal if touched, tickled and patted in the wrong places! But, by the sounds of things she is just threatening you and trying you out? Other times, mares are just vocal and accidently make noises that they then feel ashamed they did!! Maybe it was meant to be a whinny? Or maybe she was just very very pleased to see you and thinks all her christmas's have come at once - human company.
As for the ears back, she has been alone for a year in a field, so has learnt to be a survivor and has her own space. Her personality will shine through - but remember it will take time. Routine is essential - they have a very good clock, and although some mares are soppy so and so's others like to have their space, so respect that too.
Have fun, remember - you tell a gelding, ask a mare and come to an arrangement with a stallion!!
 
Thanks guys!

I think routine is going to be important with her - on board she's a gem so I think it will just take a while to gain her trust on the ground. I think lots of time sitting with her in the stable is going to be important.

She's very very sensitive to my body language - when I walk towards her straight on ears go back and she's quite head shy. I turned and stood half on and she was fine. Think I need to quit tit bits in the field as well as that was when she was being dominant!

Will do some loose schooling with her too.
 
I am finding this with my new mare - she is a star on board and tied up, can do anything with her but in the field she 'permits' you to touch her and will walk away if not approached right. She lived in a big herd of horses in 15 acres so I think she is just not used to people being in field with her. My big lad was the same for a while but a year later is like a big dog following me around, coming for cuddles. It would be nice to think that my little mare will be the same - I try to be very consistent with her and pat her every time I go in the field, just spend time with her when she has no restraint on if that makes sense. I dont think she has had much human contact other than being ridden and worked so her thoughts on us may be a bit biased....
 
Shoot it

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I have no good advice, I had one mare and never again but they say a mare will go over and above the call of duty for their owner, while geldings, well...
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where are the photos of said harpy horse?
 
I love my mare. I am absolutely a convert, but they can be strange
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I cant go near mine if she has food as she will kill me
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and is a real face puller, but actually she is just making it clear what is "hers". She is the sweetest and most affectionate when there isnt anything of hers to guard, so I think it is just a trust thing. Enjoy her, I never thought I'd be saying I like mares
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I absolutely love mares. I'm more hesitant about geldings tbh! It's funny isn't it?
One of my mares is completely domineering, bossy and stroppy whereas the other one is as daft as a brush. not once sqealed at me or anything. She's so docile.

Mares are funny.
 
Had mares only for the last 20 years! You need to be firm and consistant with them, while being around them a lot. When they become your friend they will look after you and do much more for you than a gelding.
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