Mares versus Geldings

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Kay Toone

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Jun 12, 2000
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Whilst learning to ride at the moment can any members
advise me as to the merits of buying a mare in favour of a gelding? (or vice versa of course). Whilst I realise temperament is very important how will I know when buying a horse whether it is infact the "right" horse for me? What signs do I look for in its behaviour that will convince me to make the correct choice?
How do I recognise whether the horse actually likes me!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated by a new green but enthusiastic rider!! Many thanks, Kay.
 
From experience I have found that you can tell a gelding to do something, but you have to ask a mare!!

It is really down to personal preference - however some mares can be 'moody' when in season - I've experienced some mares which are not affected in this way and others who are affected quite considerably. AT the same time, you can get some moody geldings too!! Mine sulks if he doesn't want to do something!!

Horses are friendly creatures (in the main.)It is important that the horse is happy to be stroked, groomed,touched all over, doesn't put its ears back as you approach, bear its teeth, turn its quarters towards you etc. You will know friendly behaviour against non-friendly behaviour when you see it!

It does take a little time to build up a close bond with the horse you buy, but all the time spend getting to know him/her is worth it in the end! My horse now follows me everywhere round the yard without bribery or a head collar!!
 
I agree!

In my past experince Mares tend to be a bit of a hand full at times if they don't want to do what you tell them too and can react badly to a little bit of insistance.

Gledings on the other hand if they trust you will do what ever you ask even if they say no the first time if you keep asking they tend to do anything for u. Mine certinly did.

Good luck with which ever you chose to buy

Bel :)
 
I wasn't going to say anything here, but you two are giving mares a bad rap! I've got two mares, one is super-laid back and with an, ahem, interesting personality. the other is slightly high strung and spooky, but always does what you tell her even though I know sometimes she doesn't want to. And at the barn I board at, we have this one gelding that all the "macho" (no offense intended) guys like to ride, becuase he bolts with anyone who will let him. We have ****y mares and we have laid-back mares, and the same for the geldings. It all depends on the individual horse, and I would urge not to let yourself be prejudiced by the horse's sex. All horses have their bad days, just like people, and it varies how they will act on those days. Plus, with mares, you don't have to clean sheaths!

Allie
 
Originally posted by Charlotte
From experience I have found that you can tell a gelding to do something, but you have to ask a mare!!

It is really down to personal preference - however some mares can be 'moody' when in season - I've experienced some mares which are not affected in this way and others who are affected quite considerably. AT the same time, you can get some moody geldings too!! Mine sulks if he doesn't want to do something!!

Horses are friendly creatures (in the main.)It is important that the horse is happy to be stroked, groomed,touched all over, doesn't put its ears back as you approach, bear its teeth, turn its quarters towards you etc. You will know friendly behaviour against non-friendly behaviour when you see it!

It does take a little time to build up a close bond with the horse you buy, but all the time spend getting to know him/her is worth it in the end! My horse now follows me everywhere round the yard without bribery or a head collar!!
Click to expand...
 
Charlotte: thank you for your reply - will I still be able to achieve the same relationship with my horse even though he/she will be on full livery due to work commitments? How can I compensate for not being there to groom feed and ride my horse every day? Also: are titbits such as carrots "peppermint horse sweeties" and apples to be discouraged from being given.

I have become "friendly" with a horse at the stables where I am learning to ride and wonder whether his searching for titbits from me and licking my hands whilst also "sucking"
my hand/fingers into his mouth would be regarded as playful.
(he also takes hold of my jumper in his mouth pulling at it softly) - can you advise me please?
 
Hi

I have a mare and I would have another without any hesitation but I must echo what has been written about their temperament. Mare ARE moody - some only slightly so and others so bad that when in season you can do nothing with them. (Even top class riders, as Badminton will bear testament to!) Geldings are more straightforward. However, it depends what you want from your horse. All the mares at the yard mine lives are more independent than the geldings but they also tend to have more character. A mare in tune with its rider is an awesome competitor - some of the most accomplished horses are mares. You can also breed from a mare if you have to take time off riding. Remember, before you buy a horse, he or she will be a great commitment and while he or she will be cared for at your yard he may not be ridden often and for some this can be a problem. If you want an animal to love you unconditionally, get a dog! Enjoy riding different horses at your yard (if allowed) and save yourself the hassle of owning a horse (it will cost you megabucks!) Personally, I wouldn't be without a horse but there again I am lucky to be able to spend time with mine every day. She is also ridden 6 days a week. And, incidentally, although I do everything for her and am the one who rides her most, my mare is coy about showing affection! She calls to me and peeps at me from the stable but she'll ignore me most of the time - unless I have something edible in my pockey! Good luck with whatever you decide - and remember owning a horse is a privilege not to be entered into lightly.
 
To get your horse to like you he has to respect you.
He will like you if he sees you as leader. This may mean that you have to be firm on more than one occasion.
Once you have his, or her,respect you will have a friend for life.

I'm going to say,that through a few years of experience, I really prefer to work with enitire males best of all. All the horses I have,whether they be male female or entires, have their good points and bad. Don't just judge them on their sex. Give them a go, you may find that you have to change your views!
 
show your horse that you're the leader out of trust instead of dominance. a horse is a herd animal and in a herd, the leader leads and all the other members of the herd follows. the herd knows their leader has their best interests in mind. u are the leader of your 2-member herd, it is only natural that your horse will follow your lead if he knows you have his best interests in mind.

it is very important to be the leader your horse is looking for. when you and your horse are standing in a training arena, your horse will usually exhibit his leadership qualities by walking or trotting, high-headed, around you. when you do not follow as he expects you to, he may begin to question his own position in the herd. he will begin to pay more attention to you by pivoting an ear toward you, looking at you, or possibly turning to face you. at this moment, take the leadership position by physically putting yourself in a position of leadership. walk in front of your horse expecting him to follow, and he will.
 
I've got one of each and I really think it depends on what breed they are too. My mare is Cleveland Bay x Irish Draught and my gelding is a tbx. The gelding is the more spooky and unpredictable while the mare I would trust with a two year old on her back. She can become more energetic with seasons but she is so laid back you hardly notice!!!
 
I'm very grateful for everyone's comments. Obviously I am going to bear in mind whats been said and I am really pleased to know that there are people out there who can help
me!! Lots of thanks. Kay.
 
Mares V Geldings

I didn't mean to give mares 'a bad rap' Allie!!! Sorry if it seems that way, but I did say that it depends on each individual!!

I've had mares and geldings - my personal preference is geldings, some people prefer mares.

Kay, with regard to titbits, again it depends on each individual. Titbits encourage some horses to nip and be spiteful, however others will not be affected, but will naturally nudge you and hunt through your pockets to see what you've got! You will have to judge for yourself with any horse you decide to buy. There is nothing wrong with taking a carrot or horse sweetie out to the field to catch him/her, or after a good ride etc. Just watch out for signs of nastyness!! (or brat like behaviour!)

With regard to having your horse on full livery - obviously it will take longer to build up a bond with your horse if you cannot visit every day. If at all possible, could you not just pop up to the yard for a few minutes and perhaps just give the evening or morning feed? I know what it's like to be working full time and keep a horse - my horse is on assisted DIY (I just have someone give him breakfast and put him out in the mornings), so in the winter months it can be very hard work!!

If it isn't possible to visit the yard much during the week, try to spend as much time as you can with the horse on weekends and holidays etc. Perhaps opt for full livery through the week and DIY on weekends? I do believe that part of the enjoyment of horse ownership is to do most of the work yourself.

However, if you are the only person riding the horse (unless your full livery includes excercising), your horse will soon know who its mum is!!
 
Charlotte

Charlotte: Mares v Geldings

What a good idea - I hadn't thought about DIY at weekend!
I do have time to pop down to the yard after work each day as you say if only for half an hour. I've been down this weekend to the stables where I have my lesson and mucked out a new arrival and groomed her. However, she's a bit skittish and doesnt seem to like being groomed - so much so that she actually bit me on the b.m! ouch. dont think she likes me. kay.
 
Don't forget the horse is new! You say she's a bit skittish - so she's probably nervous and hasn't had time to settle in yet - not that she doesn't like you, she doesn't know you yet!!

If you opt for DIY at the weekends, not only does it give you the opportunity to do more for your horse, but you can save money as well!!

Do think seriously about buying a horse before you actually do - ask horse owners about the cost of things such as shoeing, worming, feeding, bedding etc - however if you have full livery, this should be included (except the weekends you DIY).

Make sure that the horse you buy suits you- noone else - as it will be you that will be riding it.

I'm sure that the yard where you will eventually keep your horse will let you give your horse its evening feed every night, even if you are on full livery - just let them know this is what you want to do - don't forget though, if you can't make it one evening to let them know!!

Good luck and keep us all posted!
 
Mares

I have only had Chestnut mares and you can't beat them!! At the moment I have a 15.3hh Chestnut mare called Mary. She's not stroppy when she comes in season and she's no different to ride either.

I've never really been a gelding fan but that's just personal opinion.

Michelle :D
 
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