Mare or gelding?

Foxy girl

Foxy girl

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I lost my wonderful boy a couple of weeks ago and am just beginning to think about the possibility of looking for another horse because as you all know it's a drug and I can't bear to be without one - I don't know what to do with myself at the moment.

I have owned a mare and two geldings in the past and think I'd look for a gelding BUT so many people I know would suggest buying a mare. My one and only mare suffered when in season, was temperamental and at times out of control. But apparently that's not all mares. I have however lost all my confidence and need something steady and reliable...

So what would you all suggest? Mare or gelding???

Thanks all!
x
 
I don't go out with the intention of buying either, if I see a horse that is suitable and I like so be it - it doesn't matter whether they are a mare or a gelding.

People say mares are temperamental, but the two mares I have had have been saints, and the two geldings little fireballs, so it really just depends on the horse.

I personally prefer geldings, not because I think they have a nicer temperament though! :)
 
So sorry for your loss - hugs :(

I currently own one of each, and have to say they are both great in different ways!

I always find geldings much more straight forward, so if you're looking for something easy to do and uncomplicated mentality-wise, I would go for a gelding. Aslong as mine has haylage, food, turnout and cuddles he is happy as larry :)

My experience with mares is that they are a bit more confusing...mine is still a mystery to be after almost 8 years. She can be very aloof, and some mares I've known have been quite nasty. I find mares to be more loyal, willing and trustworthy though. Very similar to human women imo :).

This is all just my musings and probably not the case for all!
 
Got 1 of each and my mare is so much saner than my gelding! My gelding is extremely quirky but my mare just gets on with things - she is also only rising 5.

I didn't go with the intention of either just went with what I felt comfortable with. I don't even know she is in season
A mare will often really try for you :)
 
I wouldn't go for one specifically - it's all down to temperment of the individual. My mare is not normally (she's allowed at the mo as she's in foal) moody at all, I don't usually know that she's in season. I do find she's grumpy with people other than me but is very sweet with me.
 
I have a gelding at the moment, sweetest boy ever, but have had mares that are great too. It's not something I'd be looking at. I'd write down the qualities that I want, go see horses, if the horse suits you, then I wouldn't worry if its a gelding or a mare. x
 
i said i would only have geldings, but my current horse is a mare and she is wonderful and a great confidence giver. She is a BIT mareish but fine with Oestress and I would not swap her!
 
My horse of a lifetime was a mare, would do anything, totally loyal, quick to learn. Then again she could also be stubborn, grumpy and bossy with other horses! And a bit of a one person horse until she got very old.

I've owned a mare who you could trust with your granny and loved being fussed, and I've owned a mare who was quite aloof, although she was a good girl. I've owned a gelding who was daft and skittish but my current gelding, who I've had since 6 months, is a lovely boy who could well be up there with my best mare. The mare we just bought for OH to ride is the quietest horse you could ask for so I really think it's down to the individual rather than the gender much of the time.
 
One is told from the start that geldings are more consistent and reliable, yet my favourites, including my share, have been mares.

I thought it was a question of their female intelligence, but now I wonder if it isnt their build?

Is it possible that mares in general are less broadly built than geldings of the same type and breed, and as an older person I find them more comfortable to ride? And when you feel physically comfortable on a horse you ride it better and the responsiveness is there.
 
Sorry to hear about your horse :(

I have 2 mares and a gelding.
'My' mare can be stubborn, bolshy and very opinionated. She is usually willing, brave, trustworthy and gentle with old people and kids. She has a fire in her belly that I find the gelding lacks.

Mares for me :)
 
I think it is very much down to the individual horses personality, some mares can be as straightforward and easy as a 'typical' gelding, some geldings can be as grumpy and difficult as a 'typical' mare. I owned a gelding... He was sweet and easy to do but my god was he a stubborn, lazy boy, who would also bolt on occassions :rolleyes: I now have a young ex racer mare who although grumpy, pulls faces etc.. Is never affected by her seasons and has never once been unpredictable, never bucked, bolted reared etc...

I generally think that if you get a mare on your side, they are extremely loyal, hard working, more so than geldings however I believe in many ways mares have to be respected as more like stallions, they are completely at mercy to their hormones, some more than others, but I think this should be taken into consideration as mares seasons can be painful/uncomfortable.

Overall though if I found a good mare, I would choose them over a gelding!
 
I have 3 of each. The mares are all mareish at times and can be quirky. The three boys are all different ,my big lad is very laid back and calm but still works well. The older of the other two can be sharp as can the baby be at times, but the baby is learning and I'm sure will settle down.

I have also got a stallion and he is the best, calm ,un phased even with the mares around.

I do think it is how you treat them and the environment around them that helps.

But what you have to remember is that a mare is an entire ,just as a stallion is. Hormones count for a lot.
 
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