QuestionQUESTION: I have a 3 year old miniature mare. She is in heat and very moody. Is this normal? Also, I have her in a pen with an orphan quarter horse colt. Due to his creep feeding, she has become very temperamental and pushy during feeding times, in fact, she has started kicking at me when his feed is removed. I have been giving her a cup of plain oats during this time he gets his feed, should I stop? Could the feed be causing this behavior?
ANSWER: Hi Mary-
Thanks for your question. Mares can be moody, particularly when in season but also, just like people, they have different temperaments and personalities. It does sound as if she's unhappy. You might think about separating them, particularly at feeding time. Is there a way you can divide the pen so that they are near each other (for company) but not actually with each other? If not, I would remove her at feeding time. DO NOT put up with her kicking at you. You must nip that in the bud. Carry a crop and if she turns and kicks, immediately shout NO! and whack her with the crop on her rear end. After once or twice, she should stop. You must react immediately (with in 3 seconds) or they don't relate it to the issue. Also- she should respect your space. Do not let her crowd you- that is just plain disrespectful and she is saying "I am the alpha mare and can push you around." YOU are the alpha and must make that clear without being cruel. I hope this helps- bless you for taking care of the baby. That's a lot of work. Best, Toni
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: One more question for you Toni,
This evening reminded me of another issue with this mare. She is generally very gentle, however, when my five-year-old daughter is in the pen with me, and if she wanders a few feet from my side, the mare will charge and rear at my daughter. She doesn't hurt her, but scares her a bit. My daughter is very tough, so it takes a lot to get to her. Is this another example of this mare trying to declare "alpha" status, or is she trying to play?? She doesn't do this to my son who is nine. This lady was a rescue (neglect), and we have had her five months. I am wondering if she just doesn't know how to relate to people.
Thanks for your time.
AnswerHi Again Mary-
Thanks for your follow-up question. No way to know for sure, of course, but my guess is she has picked your daughter as she is the smallest to push around. A friend of mine has similar behavior from a gelding and her little son. She has him carry the crop and do what I suggest. I think that waving/flapping arms and shouting NO- BACK! should also help. If you can grab her (the mare) immediately (lead rope attached to halter) when she starts this behavior you can not only correct her by bringing her "back down to earth" but discipline her by backing her on the lead or even making her do small circles while swinging the lead rope at her around by her back end. Remember- you must react immediately so she understands what it is a correction for. This is not cruel, it is just necessary for safety and respect. If you treat her with kindness (which I am sure you do) in other areas, she should accept it just fine with time. It helps me to think about how the herd dynamics work and how mares discipline babies when they misbehave- quick snaky necks and head darts (sometimes with nips) to quickly show their displeasure and to get them "in line." Hope this helps. Best, Toni
