What is mare temperamental behavior exactly?

During the temperamental phase, the mare shows her fertile period, as ovulation occurs at the end of the temperamental phase and there is the greatest chance of fertilization. Mares typically have a cycle of 21 days (some slightly shorter, some slightly longer) and the temperamental phase lasts about 5 days.

During the temperamental phase, mares urinate more, the urine is often different and smells stronger. Some mares are a bit dreamy during these days, stick more to your leg, or may be less well-tempered. They are just like women 😉.

Is temperamental behavior also present in winter?

The first temperamental phase usually occurs in early spring and the last in autumn, with winter often being a period of rest. However, in recent years with warmer winters, mares are showing signs of temperamental behavior even in winter. Temperamental behavior is stimulated by:

• Increasing daylight
• Rising temperatures
• Nutrition (rich diet in winter)
• Exercise
• Other horses

The first and last temperamental phases of the season are often a bit more intense, so don't be deterred by this and see how the rest of the season goes.

A mare is allowed to be temperamental

It is often seen as difficult when a mare is temperamental. Mares may have trouble concentrating during these days, other horses may react more intensely to them, mares may be a bit moody, and they may urinate more. But it is natural and usually not a reason to intervene. It is normal for a mare to go through a temperamental phase every month, and some mares show this more than others. If your mare has a regular cycle every month, without exaggerated behavior and returns to normal after the temperamental phase, then accept those few days when she is a bit different and let nature take its course, do not immediately resort to supplements. Suppressing temperamental behavior (and disrupting hormone balance) can lead to other problems in the future.

Some mares may experience some discomfort in their abdomen during the temperamental phase which can make them more sensitive to being touched in that area.

Cause of exaggerated temperamental behavior or lack of visible temperamental behavior

Of course, there are mares that are extremely temperamental and even become a danger to themselves and others. Fortunately, there are not many of these, but it is advisable to find out why the temperamental behavior is so extreme. This could potentially be related to diet, the presence of dominant geldings, absence of other horses, or the effects of medications and supplements on hormone balance. Additionally, there may be physical issues with the mare's uterus and/or ovaries.

But even mares that show no signs of temperamental behavior may have an abnormality. It may sound nice, but there "should" be a visible temperamental phase every month if the mare is not pregnant. Be critical of the environmental factors and physical condition of your mare if she does not exhibit any temperamental behavior. See below for tips on maintaining a healthy temperamental cycle.

Optimize external factors for a healthy temperamental cycle

Temperamental behavior is controlled by hormones, and hormones can easily become imbalanced if there are external factors at play. Here are some tips to ensure balance in the body:

• Feed grain-free to prevent disruptions in the body, carefully check the feed bag for ingredients like bran, corn, etc.
• Provide unpacked hay: no matter how dry hay in plastic appears, it remains packaged hay with a fermentation process. And there are few horses that can tolerate this packaged hay without stomach, intestinal flora, and hormonal problems.
• Ensure a stable herd. A stable herd with a fixed hierarchy and a sense of calm contributes to hormonal balance.
• Provide a clear distinction between winter and summer. It is tempting to extend summer as much as possible and keep the lights on for longer in winter, or to ensure that the temperature remains high in the stable. But this disrupts the natural flow that horses have in nature and will therefore disrupt the cycle.
• Optimize resistance and prevent pain, worm infection, etc. The better the resistance, the better the overall balance in the body. By optimizing resistance, the body will also come into balance and the cycle will stabilize. If the resistance is low, consider supplementing with cannabinoids to increase resistance and restore balance to the body.
• Be critical of Vitamin E, as it plays a role in fertility. Horses obtain this from fresh grass. Therefore, it may be advisable to supplement this during winter. Especially for horses in training, even during the grazing season.
• Don't forget the DHA in Omega-3 in the daily ration. Only in salmon oil or omega-3 based on algae is directly absorbable DHA present. In vegetable oils like flaxseed oil, the body still needs to produce DHA. When it comes to fertility issues, salmon oil is preferred.
• Exercise is often underrated. Keep these horses in the stable as little as possible and take them for frequent walks. Long but slow exercise is important for maintaining energy and weight in the horse.

Only intervene when absolutely necessary

The majority of mares do not have exaggerated temperamental behavior, but rather a very normal one that should be embraced. Does your mare display abnormal temperamental behavior? First, carefully consider which factors, such as diet and exercise, could be adjusted. Then, consider adding a supplement based on something like chaste tree or cannabinoids to regulate the cycle. Keep in mind that it should be given for at least 2 cycles before results are seen. If you have recently moved with your horse or changed its feeding regimen, it may take until the following year to see the impact on the temperamental behavior. Some changes have a significant impact and take more time to show in the body.

If this does not lead to improvement, have the mare checked by a veterinarian to rule out any abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries.

Respect the temperamental behavior of your mare

If your mare has a normal temperamental behavior, accept and respect nature - it means that your horse is well balanced at that point! So, if she is a bit dreamy, clingy, or a bit grumpy during those days, give her an extra day off and just spend some quality time together. Or better yet, go on a nice snack walk together.