mare behaving badley

Question
QUESTION: I recently bought a mare aged approx 12yrs old from a dealer, first week i had her she was an angel, turned her out with the other horses mares and geldings she got on great in the field with them apart from one mare whom thinks shes the boss, my trouble started when myself and my daughter whom is 14yrs old went to get her to ride she was fine to catch but as we approached the gate to take her up to stable area she dragged away causing blisters to my daughters hands i went after her and made her come out of the field she wasn't happy but still i had to show her who was boss, once she'd calmed down i returned her to field, next my elder daughter 17yrs old brought her in from field to ride her about 2 days later she was rearing and trying to spin up at stables and eventually my daughter decided to put her back in the field because she was so worked up, when leading her back to field she snatched away  and kicked out catching my daughters hip in the process and ran back to fence line of field were we had to herd the rest of the horses to the top end of field so we could get her back in. This scared all three of us and decided we needed help. I called instructor from b.h.s and within a week she came to help. She advised me that it could be a number of things one being that my mare was a brood mare, a behavior problem because of mares being mixed with geldings or just she's trying it on with me to see who is boss. I have worked with this mare for 5 weeks but not every day due to work commitments, and she scares me but i don't show her this I'm very firm with her every time i ride her she trys to get me off and will not go in a stable she barges the door. I contacted the dealers whom i got her off because she was meant to be a quiet horse, his partner said she'd spilt from him and he'd sold me a brood mare whom hadn't been backed in years please help if you can any advise would be really good as i think deep down in there theirs a sweet horse. Her teeth are fine i thought of that

ANSWER: Hi Sharon, Was she sold to you as a bombproof safe horse?  If so (and if you are not too attached, you should be able to demand your money back, especially since your daughters are getting hurt). What your BHS trainer was trying to explain is that there are mares who have cystic overies, which can be very difficult to handle, not just when they are in heat.  If she is playing a catching game with you, she needs to be turned out into a small paddock or a round pen, where you can use your body language and a soft voice to encourage her to allow you to get close to her.  Once she does, reward her with praise and a goodie. Even praise her attempts, when she turns to face you, or takes a step in your direction.  When she does this, take a step backward showing her that you mean her no harm. Eventually she will be approaching you for the praise and the goodies. Horses are very accurate in their contact with each other, so striking your daughter was intentional, it was not just a warning or she would have intentionally missed making contact. If she was sold to you as a riding horse, and now they are saying she is a broodmare only, than you have reason to dispute it by asking for your money or another horse.  Are you into natural horsemanship methods?  This would help her a lot, but it takes time and patience.  Read some of John Lyons, Mark Rashid, and there are others that are good. If you are a newbie to NH, you can get a bit out of Parelli, but I have some problems with some of the methods. You could go to clinics and symposiums to learn more.  My webpage is at http://downes.8k.com, and there should be some links there and my training philosophy. Mares usually do not rear, so it makes me suspect to cystic overies. Have a vet or chiropractor check her back for discomfort. Put her in a small enclosure such as a round pen on a 12 foot lead with a rope halter. Work on getting her to move away from you and come into you.  Work on getting her to turn on the fore and on the hind.  These are very good exercises for her.  Talk to her in low and gentle tones to sooth her. Get her to look forward to her training sessions alone with you or your daughters and establish yourselves as the boss mares. If you or your family is fearful of her, she will pick up on it immediately, so try to stay calm.  Give her lots of praise and goodies for good behavior.  Let me know what you decide to do with her.  If you are not a professional, get some of the local clubs to help you.  Often there are horsey play days that you can take her to and she will see the other horses acting well.  Leave me some feedback, and please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions that you may encounter.  We are here or you and appreciate hearing from you.  It makes the pro bono work so much more rewarding.  Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan

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QUESTION: thankyou sue
for answering my question I've decided to send the mare back i dont think i'm ready for a challage yet. My new horse is going to be a guilding (i've been advised they are much easier than mares) and maybe one day i'll be brave engough to have a mare.
regards Sharon

Answer
Mares can have their monthly moodiness, just like we do. But remember to have someone show you how to properly clean a sheath, if you decide on a gelding. Their temperaments can be more regular, but they come with their own set of issues. Feel free to write back to me anytime you like.  Please leave feedback, nominations, and follow-up with any questions you may have. As volunteers we really like to know that we are making a difference in the lives of our online friends and their canine companions. It is easy to see the results at our school, but more difficult online. So I would really like to know the outcome from your situation. Best wishes.  Regards, Susan