What is a Mare?

A mare is a female horse who is mature enough for sexual reproduction. As a general rule, a horse is considered a mare after the age of three, although some people prefer to wait until mares fully mature at age four or five to breed them. Under the age of three, a female horse is known as a filly. The counterpart of a mare is a stallion, a male horse, who is known as a colt when young; gelded males are known as geldings.

The term “mare” comes from the Old English mere, which is the feminization of mearh, meaning “horse.” Historically, mares have been considered extremely valuable, because they have the potential to be bred to generate more horses, and in some regions, mares have been preferred to stallions and geldings, because they are considered to be easier to handle and more suitable for some tasks.

Mares go into season once annually, triggered by the length of the days in their environment. After breeding, a mare's gestation period lasts around 11 months, at which point she typically produces a single foal, although twins do occur. In the wild, mares will nurse for a year or more, although many horse breeders prefer to wean at a younger age to get the mare fit again and to begin training the foal.

Some people in the horse community suggest that mares can be obstinate and difficult to handle, especially when they are in season. Others have suggested that this may not necessarily be true; a well trained mare handled firmly will generally be well behaved and less easily distracted, even when in season, than a stallion, whereas a poorly trained and badly handled mare will indeed act up while in season. Because of the popular belief that mares can be ill-mannered, some people medicate their mares with hormones to control their behavior, especially when the horses are being used in competition.

A mare can compete in any event open to stallions and geldings; famous mares have competed as racehorses, excelled at dressage, and shown their mettle as jumpers. Mares can also be used as trail and pleasure horses, and they can make excellent pasture companions as they age.

When mares are used exclusively for breeding, they are known as broodmares. A high-quality broodmare can be extremely expensive, especially if her bloodline includes famous horses, and she is considered to be extremely valuable, as she can only throw a limited number of foals during her lifetime, unlike a stallion, who could potentially contribute genetic material to thousands of horses.

A mare is an adult female horse or other equine animal, typically over the age of three years. Unlike their male counterparts, stallions, mares are often valued for their calmer temperament and their ability to produce offspring. They play a crucial role in breeding programs and can often be found in various equestrian disciplines.

Mares are female horses, while stallions are intact males known for their more assertive and sometimes aggressive behavior due to higher testosterone levels. Geldings are castrated males, which generally makes them more docile and easier to handle than stallions. Mares can be more temperamental during estrous cycles but are often preferred for their steadiness outside of these periods.

A female horse is typically considered a mare once she reaches the age of three years. Before this, she is referred to as a filly. The age distinction is important in the equine world as it often signifies maturity and breeding capability. Mares of breeding age can contribute to the equine population through foaling.

Yes, mares can compete in the same equestrian events as stallions and geldings. They are often seen in racing, show jumping, dressage, and other competitive disciplines. Their participation is based on individual capability and training rather than gender, with many mares achieving high levels of success in various competitions.

In horse breeding, the mare's role is to carry and nurture the fetus during pregnancy and provide care for the foal after birth. Mares have a gestation period of approximately 11 months and can influence the quality and traits of their offspring. Responsible breeding practices consider the mare's health, lineage, and compatibility with the stallion.

Caring for a mare can differ from stallions or geldings due to their reproductive cycles and potential for pregnancy. Mares require special attention during estrous cycles, breeding, and foaling. Nutritional needs may vary, especially when pregnant or nursing. Additionally, handling mares might require sensitivity to mood changes during their heat cycles.