How Can I Help My Mare In Season

If your horse is being ‘mare-ish’, it could just be her hormones. Not all mares have issues when they come into season, but some horse owners label them as having ‘bad behaviour’ with handling or riding becoming challenging. Restlessness, irritability, reluctance to work or having poor focus is not just a problem for riders in competition but can be a headache also for those who simply ride out. So, it is genuinely useful to know how you can help your mare in oestrus. In this horse health blog, our MD, Han van de Braak explains your horse’s cycle and looks at valuable and practical ways you can help your horse in season. He asks a simple question, ‘if troublesome periods are related to XYZ in humans, might it be related to XYZ also in horses’? Time to think outside the horse box…

Understanding the Oestrous Cycle in Horses

Before we delve into how to assist your horse during her season, we must look at what happens in an oestrous cycle. Mares are seasonally polyoestrus which means that they cycle regularly during the breeding season (late Spring, Summer, early Autumn oestrus) and not during the winter (because foals would not survive). A typical cycle lasts about 21 days, with the mare being in heat for approximately 4 to 7 days. During this cycle period, hormonal changes lead to behavioural and physical changes. It’s how horses make foals and that basic instinct is about the survival of the herd… so, be kind.

Signs of a Mare in Season:

• Increased receptiveness to stallions
• Changes in behaviour, such as being more affectionate or agitated (irritability)
• Potential sensitivity in the hindquarters
• Frequent small-volume urination
• Tail raising and squirting at other horses

Recognising these signs can help you better understand your horse’s needs during this period and appreciate that it is not your mare’s fault that she feels different in her mind and body – it’s Nature!

How do you help mares in heat?

Horses can exhibit various behaviours during heat cycles, including irritability, distraction, or restlessness. Here are some strategies to help your mare through her cycle:

1. Give Regular Exercise:

Ensuring your horse gets plenty of exercise can help reduce excess energy and agitation. Consider incorporating more structured rides and groundwork sessions into your mare’s routine. In humans, observational studies and small non-randomised controlled trials showed that both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well as primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps or period pain without underlying pelvic pathology) respond favourably to exercise. Horses do too. Hardly surprising because nothing about exercise-endocrine-system-interaction is a wondrous mystery… your and your horse’s four feel-good hormones are Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins, Oxytocin and the level of all four of them improve with exercise.

2. Offer Comfort and Routine:

Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, grooming, and turnout. Horses thrive on routine, and familiarity can provide stability during the hormonal fluctuations associated with being in season. You can give her additional forage via forage blocks and forage brix to keep her occupied if you find she prefers to spend less time with the herd at this time.

3. Allow Social Interaction:

If your mare is overly agitated or stressed, consider allowing her to spend time with other horses if she finds solace in their company. Social interaction often provides comfort and distraction. Ensure that the pairs or groups are compatible to avoid conflicts, as some mares may become more aggressive when in season. Did you ever read my little article about putting a radio in your barn? Just make sure you don’t switch on the news as it will depress your horse and you in equal measure.

4. Create A Calm Environment:

Create a tranquil and stress-free environment for your horse. Minimising sudden noises, disturbances, and changes in surroundings can help keep your mare more relaxed. Consider using calming aids such as aromatherapy or music, which can also help soothe her, especially during times of stress, such as turnout time at the yard.

5. Install Positive Reinforcement:

As ever, always encourage positive behaviours through reinforcement. If your mare is calm or responding well to training despite being in season, reward her with treats, praise, or extra grooming sessions. This helps to reinforce good behaviour and maintain a trusting bond between you and your horse.

What can you give a mare in season?

During a mare’s season, it’s crucial to meet her nutritional needs, as hormonal changes can affect appetite and energy levels. Here’s how you can support her health:

Feed A Balanced Diet:

Ensure your mare receives a balanced diet and horse feed with appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to tailor her diet to her specific needs during this period. A Japanese study published on humans in 2023 found that the severity of menstrual pain was higher when the intake of proteins, vitamin D, fatty acids and vitamin B12 was low. Protein you will find aplenty in hard feed. In respect of vitamin D levels you are looking at turnout and no rugging when the sun’s out. Fatty acid profile differs in different grasses but turnout on lush pastures is your first step. Your mare gets her B12 levels via (mineral Cobalt-dependent) hindgut fermentation + B12 ingestion. As yet no direct link is made between gastric ulcers, atrophic gastritis, hindgut homeostasis and absorption of B12. What we do know is however, that horses on long term acid suppression for ulcers, or those with intestinal tract upset or poor appetite might be candidates for B12 supplementation [Eleanor M. Kellon VMD] and might those mares be more likely to have a more challenging oestrus I wonder. Think upstream (protein, FA, vit D, vit B12) to ease downstream (menstrual discomfort).

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:

Adequate hydration is vital for your horse’s overall health. Ensure that fresh water is always available in water troughs and buckets in the stable, especially in warm weather, as hormonal changes can sometimes lead to increased thirst or changes in water consumption. Hydration helps maintain healthy digestive function and overall vitality. Don’t forget a salt lick to lock the water in.

Supplement Your Mare’s Diet

Consider supplements that can support hormonal balance and overall well-being. Products containing natural ingredients like chamomile or valerian root can have calming effects. Always consult a veterinarian before introducing new supplements to ensure they are safe and effective for your horse.

How can Aloeride help my mare?

I like natural (as opposed to man-made formula) supplements because human and equine bodies are geared to absorb nutrients as they were made by Nature and in Nature’s own ratios. You may remember my article on calmers and how the chelation of Magnesium to different amino acids changes its effect. Aloeride aloe vera gives your horse highly absorbable very broad spectrum of nutrients in that natural ratio to one another. Aloe vera gives your mare a number of very beneficial nutrients that you cannot get from horse feeds. The 2,000mg of powder in Aloeride equates to 400ml of original organic aloe gel… so our dosage is generous. Which is vital if you want to drive effect.

In respect of protein mentioned above, Aloeride delivers 20 out of the 22 essential amino acids (so your that bypasses the digestive capacity to cleave protein). Inorganic Ions: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Chromium, Boron, Phosphorus. Vitamins: B1, B2, B6, Choline, B12, C, A, E, Niacin, Folic Acid. Proof of the pudding… few people know more about equine menstrual cycles than Stud Farms do. Yorton Farm Stud has been feeding their standing roster and mares Aloeride consistently since 2014.

What Veterinary Care and Regular Check-ups should I do?

Routine veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your mare remains healthy, particularly in season. Here’s what to consider:

1. Regular Veterinary Care and Check-ups

Consulting with your vet is critical when managing a mare in season. Regular check-ups will help ensure your horse is in good health and can also provide insight into her reproductive status. Here are a few ways your veterinarian can support you during this time:

• Monitoring Health: Regular veterinary visits will help identify any underlying health issues that could exacerbate your horse’s behavioural changes. Your vet can assess her weight, diet, and overall condition, making recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Ultrasound and Blood Tests: Your veterinarian can perform ultrasounds and blood tests to accurately monitor your mare’s hormonal levels and reproductive condition. This information can be valuable for timing breeding or making health management decisions.
• Vaccinations and Preventative Care: Keeping up with vaccinations and preventative treatments will ensure your mare remains in peak condition when she’s in season. Discuss vaccination schedules with your vet to keep her immune system strong.
• Behaviour Evaluation: If your mare exhibits challenging behaviours during her season, your vet may be able to offer solutions or medications to alleviate mood swings or stress. Sometimes, calming supplements or medications can help your horse feel more comfortable.
• Monitor Body Condition: Keep an eye on your mare’s body condition, as some may gain or lose weight during their season. Regularly assessing her body condition score can help you make the necessary adjustments to her feeding regimen, ensuring she maintains an ideal weight for optimal health and performance. Ensure your mare’s fibre intake isn’t compromised if you are cutting back on feed and give her adlib forage to mimic natural behaviours and alleviate the risk of colic concerns.

How do you stop mares coming into season?

While it’s important to support your horse during her natural cycle, there may be situations where your vet recommends suppressing her seasons if necessary. Here are some options:

1. Hormonal Treatments

Veterinarians may prescribe specific hormonal treatments to manage your mare’s reproductive cycles. Medications such as progestins can be used to suppress estrus (heat) and manage hormonal fluctuations:

• Progestins: These synthetic hormones can help regulate your mare’s cycles and minimise the physical and behavioural impacts of being in season. Treatment should always be guided by your vet based on your mare’s individual needs.
• GnRH Agonists: These can also be utilised to suppress estrus. They affect hormone levels in the pituitary gland, decreasing ovarian activity.

As with any drug, there are side effects, so it’s essential to consult your vet to weigh the pros and cons of medical intervention. The ultimate goal should always be a holistic approach to your horse’s health and well-being.

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