Mare becoming unrideable durint the winter months - hormonal?

[Samantha Marlow]

My ID mare is a sweetheart in the summer but as soon as winter approaches she becomes anxious to hack to the point she's unrideable. She tosses her head (in a dominant way) jogs sideways and throws her self around. I almost think it's a tantrum but I'm also thinking could it be hormones? Do mares suffer more in the winter? During the summer her seasons dont really affect her performance (other than the odd wink)

The only reason I'm thinking it might not be hormone related is because she's absolutely fine in the field, stable and in the school. Her saddle has been checked, teeth, no changes to her routine as she lives out, food wise she is on basic calmer chaff. I have tried top spec calmer balancer, Angus castus etc but nothing seems to make a difference.

I have the vet coming out tomorrow to discuss hormonal treatment and possible causss but I was wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences.

 

[ycbm]

I had a mare who would not eat in winter unless she was given oestradiol every three weeks. It's very rare, neither I nor my vets have ever come across another one. She really starved herself until she looked like a welfare case. Worth discussing with your vet maybe.
.

 

[maya2008]

Winter usually means less work, less fun out during turnout (or less turnout full stop), more spooky environmental factors (wind etc), combined with cold - particularly if you clip.

Mine have always been more lively in winter, more chilled and sleepy in summer. They’re easier if they stay out 24/7 and more sparky if they come in during the winter.

It could be hormones, but it could also just be the environment.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Unless it is a rare problem such ycbm s mare experienced I’d be more inclined to agree with maya2008 and think it was winter influences rather than hormones.