Stroppy Mare -help

[Hannah23]

Hi everyone, I'm after some advice as I don't know what else to do!

I have a 12 year old mare who I do a bit of everything on. To ride she is brilliant and she really enjoys her work. However on the ground she is like a different horse. If person or horse walks within a few metres of her on the yard she will kick out, pull faces and squeal. Putting her saddle and rugs on she is the same, ears back threatening to kick or bite. In the stable she will pull faces and clap her teeth together at horses in the neighbouring stables even though they are a stable distance apart. One on one to lead, lunge, groom she is perfect though.

She has had her back, teeth and saddle done within the last 3 months and there were no problems. I've also tried her on Moody Mare and Agnus Castus herbal supplement but neither have had any affect. She is the same all of the time so I don't think it is season related. I have tried reassuring her when people are around incase it is her being anxious and I have also tried the other approach of being stern and dominant. Neither have worked!

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to try next? I've run out of ideas and I'm starting to think she will just be this way forever! Any suggestions are really appreciated. Thank you

 

[JanetGeorge]

It might be worth getting her ovaries scanned (by a vet who knows what he's looking for - not all of them do!) It MIGHT be persistent follicles - or it could be an early granulosa theca cell tumour (they give off testosterone.) Behaviour in either case IS variabe - though not USUALLY good in one area and bad in another - but it can happen. Otherwise, she's just being a tart, lol!

 

[Esme2015]

Hi there.

My mare is very similiar yours although not as bad with people on the ground, but if she is stabled she is a cowbag to every horse near her. She is really grumpy being tacked up but always has been. Have you only noticed it getting worse this year? My mare has been a nightmare this year to be honest, but she has been in all the time as she was on full livery and it really didn't work for her. We have moved to our own yard and she is now out most of the time. The other thing is that because it has been so mild, she hasn't really had a respite from her seasons as far as I can tell. I have also tried the supplements and they've not worked. My mare can feel unsafe when she is coming into season in the Spring and therefore I am going to try her on Regumate, unless someone can suggest an alternative that works! I also know of another mare who is the same on the ground and she is on Regumate. I do agree with the above - the pain thing is something I have been wondering but because the only time she doesn't feel right ridden is for the first few weeks in Spring, I thought I would try the Regumate first. It's not cheap and you need a prescription - but vio vet sell it and it's not too expensive on their site. My mare is 15'1 and apparently it should cost less than £40 a month for a horse her size. I know it's a lot but I also know how explosive she can feel at this time of year. Do you know her prior history? I'm surprised she's so grumpy at people, perhaps she has had a negative experience? Would certainly be worth talking to a vet too. Alternatively, she might just be a cowbag and like her own space!!

Good luck! Who'd have mares eh? I now have two, her daughter too. I am praying she will not grow up to be such an old cow!