Mare with a split personality

[loobiloo]

Hi everyone, I'm new on here so be nice! A couple of months ago a new horse came to the yard and ever since my mare has been horrible to handle, ride and in the field. She's very clever and VERY stroppy! Until the new gelding came it was just her and a little section A and they were fine but she hates the new boy and hasn't got any better! I know it's because she feels challenged but I can't see it getting any better. Rode her out the other day and she nearly killed us in front of a lorry!

Any suggestions?!

 

[Cop-Pop]

I used to have a similar problem with my mare

I had a blood test done and it revealed that when a new gelding moved in it had triggered a hormonal imbalance. A few weeks of treatment later and she was fine

 

[BethH]

None but you have my sympathy, I have a very dominant gelding who has turned into the horse from hell over the last couple of months. He is threatened by a gelding who is on the yard but not in the same field. I have never had a problem before and he is usually a schoolmaster hacking in company, but went out for a hack with the mare he is out in the field with and this other gelding and he spent an hour trying to move his bum close enough to kick the gelding and broncing me when I wouldn't let him. The other gelding didn't have a clue what was going on which made the whole thing completely pointless but I have never known him so utterly put out.

The only thing I can suggest is time and also ask if there is a big difference in age as if the gelding is young and/or boisterous it can put the mares off especially if they are older. The other thing I would say is that for some reason everyone I known is having behaviour moments with their horses, think it may be the weather and also the grass never seems to stop growing, that might be part of it?????

 

[Shilasdair]

I agree with Zalacca...if her behaviour doesn't resolve itself, it might be worth getting the vet out.
S

 

[loobiloo]

Thanks for your help. I hadn't thought of a hormonal problem but you might be right as when she was kept with a gelding about a year ago she was constantly in season, but when he left she hasn't been since and this other gelding arriving hasn't brought her in to season either. I'll give it a bit longer to see if it gets better, otherwise another vet bill...!

 

[Zebedee]

Ovarian cysts are a distinct possibility here.

Get the vet out, sounds like a course of Regumate could be in order!! I've dealt with a few mares with cystic ovaries & the change in them once diagnosed & on the regumate is astounding.

 

[loobiloo]

If the vet recommends treatment then she'll obviously have it but what does anyone think about trying out any of the herbal remedies or supplements for stroppy mares?!