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Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.

Your vet may diagnose

Hormone Influenced Performance Problem (in Mare)

Summary

Hormonal changes in mare can cause changes in behavior. This is a primary reason for people to prefer geldings. Some mares show more changes than others while in estrus.

Be aware of mare's cycles when interpreting their behavior. Mares are on a 21 day cycle during the breeding season, 7 days of which are "in heat" and 14 days of which are "out of heat".

During the winter (November through March for horses in northern hemisphere), most mares are not cycling and so should not show estrus behavior.

my vet's role

PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS

Most mares can be "trained through" their hormonal issues with clear and firm communication. For those in which hormonal cycles are interfering, there are medical treatments that may help. Discuss those treatment possibilities with your vet.

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP