Working with mares can be very rewarding, but when they are in season it can be challenging, especially if you want to keep them performing at their best.
Bucking, rearing, biting and refusing fences make riding a mare in season difficult and can also significantly affect competition results.
But why do mares express their discomfort in this way?
In mares, hormonal changes occur during the breeding season, which starts in March and ends in October. Behavioural changes, however, are very individual: some mares show virtually no signs of being in season, while others remain continually unsettled by the hormonal changes in their bodies.
Also remember that not all mares have regular oestrous cycles, making changes unpredictable and potentially affecting performance.
Discomfort also relates to the mare's anatomy. The ovaries lie directly behind the saddle, so when they are sore or inflamed, the load of carrying a rider can make matters worse.
This can lead to muscle cramps and tension, significantly reducing the ability to engage the hindlimbs properly, especially in dressage and showjumping.
Unfortunately, discomfort is a major cause of behavioural problems, so improving your mare's comfort can make a huge difference to her performance during the competition season.
Unfortunately for us, mares' oestrous cycles coincide almost perfectly with the competition season, as they are stimulated by longer daylight hours. A sympathetic, proactive approach gives you many ways to support your mare.
To help manage behavioural problems in mares in season you can use NAF Oestress.
Magnesium is widely used for hormonal support in mares because of its beneficial effect on muscle tissue. It supports muscle relaxation, which is particularly useful in mares with high muscle tension caused by being in season. For maximum effect, magnesium is combined with traditional herbs. Agnus Castus, known as chaste tree, was used in monasteries to suppress libido.
Today it is used in mares for the same purpose. Being in season significantly increases libido, preparing the mare for breeding and causing visible behavioural changes such as distraction during work, excessive urination and separation anxiety. Angus Castys helps reduce these behaviours and works well with Campbark. Campbark , or guelder rose, is a herb that relieves muscle cramps. It has been used for many years to ease menstrual cramps in women.
Ultimately, respect the fact that your mare's symptoms and experience of being in season can be difficult for both of you. Careful, sensible planning of rides and training can help you through the breeding season, allowing you to focus on winning competitions.
Kate Hore R Nutr NAF
Bucking, rearing, biting and refusing fences make riding a mare in season difficult and can also significantly affect competition results.
But why do mares express their discomfort in this way?
How long is a mare in season?
First, remember that you often expect good behaviour despite the hormonal changes taking place in their bodies.In mares, hormonal changes occur during the breeding season, which starts in March and ends in October. Behavioural changes, however, are very individual: some mares show virtually no signs of being in season, while others remain continually unsettled by the hormonal changes in their bodies.
Also remember that not all mares have regular oestrous cycles, making changes unpredictable and potentially affecting performance.
What does a mare in season look like?
Discomfort also relates to the mare's anatomy. The ovaries lie directly behind the saddle, so when they are sore or inflamed, the load of carrying a rider can make matters worse.
This can lead to muscle cramps and tension, significantly reducing the ability to engage the hindlimbs properly, especially in dressage and showjumping.
Unfortunately, discomfort is a major cause of behavioural problems, so improving your mare's comfort can make a huge difference to her performance during the competition season.
Unfortunately for us, mares' oestrous cycles coincide almost perfectly with the competition season, as they are stimulated by longer daylight hours. A sympathetic, proactive approach gives you many ways to support your mare.
To help manage behavioural problems in mares in season you can use NAF Oestress.
Magnesium is widely used for hormonal support in mares because of its beneficial effect on muscle tissue. It supports muscle relaxation, which is particularly useful in mares with high muscle tension caused by being in season. For maximum effect, magnesium is combined with traditional herbs. Agnus Castus, known as chaste tree, was used in monasteries to suppress libido.
Today it is used in mares for the same purpose. Being in season significantly increases libido, preparing the mare for breeding and causing visible behavioural changes such as distraction during work, excessive urination and separation anxiety. Angus Castys helps reduce these behaviours and works well with Campbark. Campbark , or guelder rose, is a herb that relieves muscle cramps. It has been used for many years to ease menstrual cramps in women.
Ultimately, respect the fact that your mare's symptoms and experience of being in season can be difficult for both of you. Careful, sensible planning of rides and training can help you through the breeding season, allowing you to focus on winning competitions.
Kate Hore R Nutr NAF
