Mares have a bad reputation for being moody or grumpy, but recent studies have shown that they're actually better behaved than geldings! Much of this stigma is related to human sexist ideas of male versus female behavior. Mares usually compete equally with geldings and stallions (see next section).
While horses of both genders can display a variety of personalities, there is some evidence to suggest that male horses (geldings) tend to be calmer than their female counterparts. Stallions are typically more aggressive than mares.
When starting out, you want to choose a horse with a reliable temperament; hormones like testosterone are highly linked to aggression, which is why most beginner riders are advised to steer clear of stallions. Mares and geldings are usually calmer, but there are always exceptions.
Mares can make excellent first horses for a beginner. As with all horses, the individual's temperament and behavior must be taken into consideration. In the event that a stallion is nearby, a mare could have a behavior change, but this is typically seen more on the part of the stallion as opposed to the mare.
Having owned both geldings and mares in my lifetime, I find that geldings are considerably more reliable, affectionate and generally cooperative.
Mares, in general, are known for being more sensitive and more temperamental than geldings. When they come into heat, they can be extra sensitive and persnickety.
The researchers conclude that, assuming a similar riding ability between riders, there is no fundamental difference in a horse's stress responses elicited by male and female riders.
At younger ages mares were less aggressive than geldings but mare aggression increased with age, whereas gelding aggression stayed relatively constant with age.
Geldings make calmer and more cooperative riding horses than do stallions. This is because of their lower levels of testosterone. Physically, they are also less muscular and powerful, making them easier to control.
The short answer is that racehorses can be either male or female: both can participate in most races and there are examples of great racehorses in either category. However, it is easy to see why some spectators may be confused – there does tend to be more male horses than females competing in British racing.
Generally speaking, male horses are faster, taller, and stronger than their female counterparts. They also outnumber female horses on the racetrack and hold almost every relevant speed record.
Geldings, while they no longer have the sex drive of a stallion, can still get an erection. Should a gelding mount and then penetrate the cervix of your mare, the pregnancy will likely be aborted.
A mare allows the stallion to approach when ready to breed. Non-receptive mares generally kick-out at stallions and do not allow them to approach. The most intense estrus behavior occurs when a mare is most sexually receptive to a stallion and this intense behavior lasts about three days.
If you want a reliable mount, a gelding is most often your best bet. He's less likely to have an off day, but he's also indifferent to your hugs and pets. There is something about the loyalty of a mare. I think mares test you more, but if you gain their trust and respect, their ability to bond is unmatched.
Mares and geldings also squeal – and for similar reasons. Squeals often occur when unfamiliar horses meet, or when one violates the space of another, especially when there's an important resource at stake, such as food. Much like humans, horses sigh as a means of releasing tension.
Dominance occurs when a horse forces the other to move against its will. One horse will move its body in the direction of or in contact with the other forcing it to move. Fighting usually occurs when the dominant horse is challenged by the other horse not moving, or responding aggressively.
A proud-cut horse is typically a gelding with an incomplete castration, resulting in stallion-like behavior.
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Most horses seem to enjoy companionship and attention from their riders, but some may find being ridden uncomfortable and even scary. It is up to the individual horse to decide whether they like it.
Mares over Geldings, which one is best? Indeed, it has been the general rule that geldings are preferred over mares in most situations – they don't come into heat, they don't have those “stallion qualities”, and they tend to be more laid back in general.
Summary. A fairly common complaint in veterinary practice is the gelding that acts like a stallion. These geldings may mount mares, act possessive of mares in a band, achieve an erection, or pursue mares even while being ridden.
Mares can be known for crankiness, soreness, reluctance to work, a generally bad attitude when they are in their 5-7 day heat.
The most likely reason that mares lie down after mating is because they are overwhelmed and need to rest to bring their heart rate back down to normal levels. Stallions can be aggressive and hyperactive when courting and mating, and horses are socially sensitive creatures.