02/09/2026
💚 I have a big love for mares at the moment. 💚
I support horses and their people with training, riding and behavioural issues, and I probably get called out to more mares than geldings! I honestly think mares are often misunderstood.
Some people are less tolerant of a mare, particularly when she is in season. The term “mareish” is often used to describe everything from being opinionated and sensitive to becoming difficult, reactive or inconsistent, both in ridden work and from the ground. However, when we look at mares through an evolutionary and behavioural lens, some of these traits start to make much more sense.
Horses evolved as highly social, herd-living prey animals. In natural populations, mares often form the stable core of social groups, developing long-term relationships with other mares and their offspring. They can be highly observant of their environment and very selective about who they trust. Their role in raising and protecting offspring also means that being aware, responsive and able to make decisions can be incredibly valuable traits.
Mares are also reproductively cyclical, and hormonal changes associated with the oestrous cycle can influence behaviour in some mares. That doesn’t mean every change in behaviour is simply because she’s in season. Pain, discomfort, ulcers, musculoskeletal issues, management, training, social environment and learned associations can all play a part. Understanding the individual mare rather than dismissing her behaviour is therefore incredibly important.
And then there is the relationship you can develop with a mare. ❤️ A mare who truly trusts you can form an incredibly deep partnership with her human. There can be something very special about earning the confidence of a horse who is thoughtful, discerning and selective about where she places her trust.
The relationship with a mare can feel different from the relationship you might have with a gelding. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. Some mares seem to have an incredible ability to tell you exactly what they think, and once you learn to listen rather than constantly try to override them, the partnership can become something really special.
I think this is also why some people struggle with mares. They can be more expressive, more sensitive, more opinionated and sometimes less likely to tolerate something they don’t understand or agree with. For a rider or owner who expects a horse to quietly comply, that can be frustrating.
For me, the qualities mares have are often exactly what make them so rewarding.
When you find a good mare, and you take the time to understand her rather than fight her, she can give you absolutely everything.
And when that trust is earned, there is something very special about being her person. 🐴💚
Video - hacking a beautiful and confident mare for the owner, who has a wonderful bond with her.
