Grumpy Mare? Sorry... long.

[Cdehaast]

I've had my TB 7 year old mare for about 9 months now, when we first went to try her she was very difficult to handle in the stable and had a generally grumpy temperament. The dealer put this down to the change in yard/routine and I spoke to the previous owner (DC of a Pony Club) who assured me she is a 'real sweetie' at home.

Over the Summer she has improved a lot with me with only a few remaining issues:
1) She nips when being groomed - not really to bite me, more out of frustration?! - I try to be gentle and quick.
2) When I put her rug on she flicks her back legs/nips again.
3) She starts backing away as soon as I go to put the bit in.
4) Her general temperament is still very insecure - ears back a lot etc.

To ride/catch etc she's lovely and I know that mares are not generally 'cuddly'... I'd just love to be able to improve our relationship on the ground.

Any advice much appreciated - should I be trying certain supplements? Getting cross when she goes to nip?

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Just be 100% consistent in how you handle her, ie don't tell her off for something one day then not be bothered to tell her off the next day. Firm but kind. She needs to know you will always keep her safe and that you are the boss. I'd quietly, no fuss, tie her up to groom and every single time she turns to nip tell her NO and let her bang her own nose against your elbow or grooming brush. If you are 100% consistent, I guarantee she'll stop in a few days. Ditto rugs but do make sure they are a good fit. With the bit, I'd be tempted to have a polo waiting on the palm of yoiur hand as the bit goes in. Maybe someone has been rough bitting her so you need to be ultra gentle but firm. The ears back stuff should disappear like morning mist as you develop a trusting, consistent relationship with her. Enjoy x

 

[Cop-Pop]

It depends why she's 'nipping'. A mare at my RS is a lot like this - she was badly treated by some people who thought a 4 yr old 14.2 would be suitable for their small children

She's been at the RS for about 8 years now and has been a really sweetie the whole time but even now work around her girth area makes her nervous and she nips/bites the leadrope.

Also - are you sure the previous owner was telling the truth? To them a 'sweetie' might mean 'doesn't boot you out the stable'

You could have her blood tested to see if she's got hormonal issues (my mare had these) or try her on a mare supplement like Moody Mare. TBH tho it sounds like it might just need a little more time. Some horses take a lot longer than others to form relationships

 

[NeedNewHorse]

Hi,

Can you find any scratchy spots and spend a little while religiously scratching her when you groom her, this may bring a bit more joy to her grooming sessions. I would take your time when handling her always, i,e not rush around (even though you didn't say you did, just mentioning anyway)

And just spend some time with her, I know it sounds silly to some people but by playing around doind some groundwork games, things it will deepen your bond (i.e your not asking any serious of her you can both have a play!!) See how she reacts to certain stuff, like I said it wont be to everyones liking but hey ho!
xxx

 

[maginn]

I don't think Mare's are grumpy in general, but they can be very dominant and you have to know how to deal with them, i.e. not by being rough but instisting on good behaviour. In nature they are in charge of the herd (not the stallion). I think she is just treating you like a horse whom she considers lower down in the pecking order. Get a copy of Kelly Marks perfect manners, the excercies in the book involve asking the horse to move away backwards, sideways etc as they would if deferring to a more dominant herd member. She should then learn to respect you, and you will develop a bond, she will also be happier because she would much rather that you take the responsibility of being in charge so that she can relax ! This may sound mad but I am a convert after trying this with a more "challenging" mare, and I have used the excercies ever since. They really help with your ridden work as well.
Good luck

 

[Birker2020]

I have heard that you have to 'ask' mares, and you need to 'tell' geldings. Not sure if that's true or not, my first horse was a mare, a chestnut with four white socks..... well, I certainly wouldn't go there again!

I'd get her checked out to see if all is well with her, sometimes they become grumpy for health problem reasons.

 

[Perce]

i have 2 mares - mother and daughter. Mother does not have a nasty bone in her body, but daughter is an obsolute madam. or at least she used to be when younger. Thank goodness hormones seem to be settling at the age of 9.
However both absolutely love their cuddles, so whilst a mare might make faces/attempt to nip when you do something she doesn't fancy (and i've known a few geldings the same) don't think it means they don't like their cuddles. If mine are anything to go by they love them!