Sniffing question

[Anth.P]

Probable stupid question here, but when a mare is in season will that make even a gelding use the flehmen response?

[Kalypso]

Not a stupid question, Anth!

And, yes. Geldings can still show a response to mares in season, they just can't do anything about it! ;)

[galadriel]

they just can't do anything about it! ;)

Not to say that they won't *try*...

[Kalypso]

hehe...aye, too bad for them, though...just not capable any longer ;)

[nutkin]

yep they definitely still show an interest. We have 2 mares and a colt foal at our place and the mares were coming into season and squirting at the gelding from next door who was more than happy to try getting at them over the fences. Not funny as he is an 18.2hh Ardennes(heavy horse). The colt foal was not interested in the slightest.Fortunately we have 2 fences with a 2ft gap between them which seems to keep Duane (the 18.2hh) from being able to reach our more than willing mares (or should i say tarts..lol ).

[Pink's lady]

Ah, now this I can answers.

Ok, well the flehmen response isn't limited to males and mares in season. All male horses use it to get a better sense of smell.

Horses have a little blind-ending sac(tiny) which opens up in the top lip/gum join. Inside the little tube, is a massive array of scent organs. When the horse lifts up it's lip, and curls it, it causes a change in shape of the cartilaginous scrolls that surround the tube. This causes a change in pressure, and the scent, now dissolved in the saliva, is pulled up into the tube.

It enables than to uses a massively powerful sense of smell that would otherwise be over-powered by everyday smells.

In the mares urine, ane even when they just pass by, the stallion is scenting pheromons, trying to detect if she's in full heat. A gelding is also doing the same, but the result doesn't have the effect on his hormones etc.

They also use it when they're presented with a smell they don't know or is really unusual (e.g giving them a cheezy wotsit crisp!).

[Kalypso]

wow, cool, nice answer Pink's lady!! I never knew any of that...er, well, ok maybe I did, but i had a tendency to only listen to what i was really interested in in class last year! ;)

[Miriam]

or you could always get a female and get her to respond to female mares in season. Only Rhi is picky in the girls she likes :o

[Pink's lady]

hmmm, I'm not sure if mares also have the olfactory organ. They never said in lectures. I dunno!

I've never seen a mare doing the flehman reaction before though. But that's quite possibly just chance. I'll try giving Pink a Wotsit tomorrow and see!

[buffy_vampire]

:) LOL we have 4 horses at our place and one is a gelding and the rest are mares its funny during season to watch him try! hes just not capable poor boy! :)