You might find them nipping, pushing, and probing others. In any case, many horse buyers struggle with this very important decision- mare or gelding. My mare was amazing and once we built that bond, she would do anything for me. region: "na1", When you own your horse, whether mare or gelding, theres no question of the bond you share. Share your experiences with each gender! If you evaluate the mare while she is in heat and she is well behaved, then moodiness should not be an issue. Call it evolution, but mares appear to have a greater sense of self-preservation. Mare people are very particular, just like their horses. Each gender is known for different characteristics. This is especially true if there may be mares present. To sum it up, let's say you spend $2,500 on semen, it takes two cycles and $1,600 in vet bills to get the mare pregnant, you spend about $800 a year to feed each horse, maybe $5,000 in training . [Disclaimer: EQUUS may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, PhD, DACVBProfessor Emeritus Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York, This article first appeared in the May 2017 issue (#476) of EQUUS magazine. I leased a really finnicky yet delightful mare who taught me the value of subtlety and of Not Making Idiot Decisions and the importance of a cost-benefit analysis before you rush headlong into an argument. But, I dare say, I think I could love a mare--the right mare--as much or more. What to Do After a horse is gelded? I will forever love my Gabby Giggles. Many are average learners though. As a result, many geldings still behave like stallions even after their supply of testosterone abates. They have the ultimate level of loyalty. geldings can still get the instinct to mount a mare and this can cause injuries. .hs-email{max-width: 100% !important; width: 100%; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom;} Once they figure out their job and decide they want to do it, you can expect a 110% effort. He may also be dominantthat is, demanding first access to resources such as food, salt licks or the run-in. Each harem is composed of several mature mares (often three or four, but sometimes as many as 12) and their young, protected by a mature stallion. Once you build a proper relationship, your mare is likely to be very affectionate. And it could be used to breed with a mare to have foals. LITERALLY! They are forgiving and work well with beginners. Mares have to deal with hormones and some can get moody when in heat. Beginner riders in the market for a new horse should make sure they spend adequate time with any prospective mount and evaluate the individual horses behavior. This may not be possible on smaller farms. ALLISON GRIEST is a freelance writer based in Texas.