Behavior Problems in Mares in Heat

As mares progress through their heat cycle, you may notice a variety of behavioral problems. This cycle traditionally begins in spring and runs through the fall. The majority of behavioral issues will likely occur during the summer months. During the heat season, mares will experience a cycle roughly once a month. Behavioral problems may rise and fall in relation to this monthly cycle.

  1. Attention Issues

    • The heat cycle can cause serious problems related to communicating with your mare. Reproduction is a powerful driving force in horses, and during the cycle, your mare can find it difficult to pay attention to anything else. You may find that your mare is less responsive to commands, seems absent-minded during training activities, and even loses motivation for important activities like eating.

    Combativeness

    • Competition is a huge factor in natural reproduction, so it is not uncommon to see your mare grow aggressive with other horses. Some mares may be overly combative with other mares, causing problems by shoving or kicking them. Mares have a powerful kick, and these frays can be dangerous for both horses and people, so it is usually best to keep cycling mares separate if their behavior becomes a concern.

    Irritability

    • Mares may grow irritable during the course of their heat cycle. Some mares will be sensitive to touch and may try to bite, throw or kick their human handlers. An irritable mare poses a serious risk to humans, especially children, who are more susceptible to being injured by a stray kick or bite. This behavior can spike each month during your mare's most fertile period, and it may fade away once that period has ended.

    Dealing with Your Mare

    • These behavioral problems do not have to prevent you and your mare from getting your normal work done. Pay careful attention to the way in which your mare reacts to various tasks, and keep a record so that you can better predict her mood on any given day. Getting to know your mare and the way her heat cycles affect her behavior will help you to keep a regular training schedule without putting too much stress on her. If you can predict her behavior, you have a better shot at completing your daily tasks.