Is my mare in season?

[CharlieChook]

Hello!

We’ve had our rescue ponies for almost a year now; one a mare, the other a gelding.

For the first time my daughters have noticed changes in the mare...they came back this morning all upset because she’s ‘crying when Raven touches her and leaking milk out her bottom, mummy!’...

Does that sound like a season? Wee boy apparently is a gelding, but for the last few days has been acting like a horny teenager. The mare has been particularly cuddly to everyone, and although squeaking / crying when he touches her, she’s allowing him to sniff her bits and groom her more than usual.
Sounds perfectly normal to me, (not that I know much about horses), but the question is...do we separate them or do I need to give her some kind of pain relief?

Thank you!

 

[Equi]

Yes it sounds like she’s in season. As long as they are not harming each other let them be. She shouldn’t need any pain relief. It’ll be over in a few days but will happen again in approx 3 weeks.

 

[Shay]

As long as he does not attempt to mount her they should be fine. But if he tries to mount her they may well hurt each other - either becuase he suceeds or because she kicks him, or both! And you will have vets bills to deal with. He might also become more possessive of her, making him more difficult to handle. Mares cycle about every 3 weeks throughout spring and summer so if there are any issues you need a long term solution. But most mares - like most ladies! - manage fine.

 

[2HorseHouse]

I have a mare and a gelding. Last year was the first year they were together, and you could tell when she was in season as she harassed the poor chap - sniffing him, squealing and shoving her bum in his face until he got fed up and bit her. This year we've had none of it so far - hopefully she's realised he's a lost cause!