Easing her cycle

PROBLEMATIC reproductive behaviour in mares can be dramatic; while being ridden she stops and plants, squatting to urinate, lifting the tail and “winking” (parting the vulval lips, exposing the clitoris). Her natural reproductive drive has taken over and she calls for other horses; she has breeding “on her mind”, distracting or taking over from your instructions. This is perfectly natural, but is undesirable and problematic for us.

Behaviours can also be subtle, with a mare being resistant or less willing to follow instruction, or simply lacking concentration. It is not surprising that a mare’s response to riding and training will vary depending on the stage of her cycle. Some mares can be tricky when they in season, whereas others may in fact be better behaved. Riders may encounter