Gelding doen't like mares?

Wagtail

Wagtail

Horse servant
Joined
2 December 2010
Messages
14,815
Location
Lincs
Visit site
Anyone else had this? Being a small yard we have always had mixed herds for one reason or another. Got a new gelding a few weeks ago and put him next to a herd of two geldings and (boss) mare. Mare had to go away for a few days and at the same time I put new gelding in with the other two boys. They got on immediately, grooming etc, although new boy was boss, but no argy bargy as other two very submissive. Mare comes back so put her in next paddock for a few days before reintroducing her to the boys. Immediately I put her in, the new boy kicked her aggessively (badly enough to get vet) and then chased after her, ears flat back trying to kick her again. I couldn't get to the mare as she was terrified and the gelding was not listening. Took me ages to get his attention and catch him. I took him out and figured he just didn't like mares. I removed the mare and put her with two of mine (they get on well with her). When I put the new boy back with the others, harmony resumed, mutual grooming etc. So the question is, are there some geldings that just don't like mares? I've never known it before. Or perhaps it was straight forward dominance?
 
Captain is very wary of mares, although he is not the best with other horses anyway. But has always been with geldings. He is now out with Fany, *touch wood* it is going well, but he has spent nearly 2 years stabled next to her. He certainly would not be trusted with other mares, Fany generally is a very tolerant and well socialised horse and tends to be very friendly with other horses. They are not grooming or grazing together but he hasn't been nasty to her either *touch wood* . So yes I think there are geldings who do not like mares.

FDC
 
I have known trouble in mixed herds when one gelding may get aggressive towards others over the mares, especially when they are in season, but these geldings have been in the minority and usually I have harmonious groups where the mare is in charge and keeps the geldings in line! But I have never experienced such immediate aggression towards a mare by a gelding. Oh well, it looks like he will have to stay with geldings only from now on. On the other hand, my lucky boy now has two mares. He loves it.
 
Have had 2 gelding that don't get on with my mares,that's why the boys go together and the mares go together in seperate paddocks away from each other as 1 gelding will jump the electric fencing and beat the hell out of one of the mares if in paddocks next to each other.
 
Echo Bravo said:
Have had 2 gelding that don't get on with my mares,that's why the boys go together and the mares go together in seperate paddocks away from each other as 1 gelding will jump the electric fencing and beat the hell out of one of the mares if in paddocks next to each other.
Click to expand...

Blimey! That is extreme. They are funny creatures sometimes aren't they? I have never had much trouble from mares. It is always the geldings. At one stage I refused to have any more geldings at livery here after bad experiences with two of them. One, I had to ask to leave as he was breaking through electric fencing to beat up another gelding. The other (ironically, his victim) later became so bad with the others that he now has to have individual turnout. Mares, on the other hand, have always been easy to settle in any herd IME.
 
Che is scared of girls!! He is the only gelding at the yard with 4 mares. He has one paddock, they share the one next to him. Last year they broke into his 'cos it had more grass and he jumped out into theirs and stood as far away as he could, big wimp. They are a tarty bunch and are constantly lifting their tails and squealing at him, he has to go and stand under his trees or hide over by the hedge when it all gets too much for him poor boy. Still, I never have a problem catching him, he's always happy to escape for a while. What I find interesting is that the dominant mare in the herd always stands by the gate to wait for him whilst he's out with me, she doesnt call out or run about, just stands quietly waiting and nickers to him quietly on his return. He ignores her completely and marches back off down his field to the safety of his trees. Bless her, unrequited love at its worst i fear :(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top