I promised my friend I'd pass this on here to see if any vets or
experienced breeders have seen this before. She has a nice little
3-year-old mare who, in the past, has had a very "passive" heat cycle...the only
way she knows is the geldings are all interested in her, and she gets kind of a
"dull eye" (according to the owner). This week, however, she came into
heat and bit the gelding she's pastured with on the neck and tried to mount him,
then chased him all over the pasture. My friend can't ride her with any
geldings right now, she gets really wicked toward them. She's just
recently had some professional training, and the plan was to spend the summer
doing two or three very easy rides (about 1/2 hour mostly walking...just getting
her used to the trail) a week. She's been VERY good up until now, both
with other horses, and by herself. One vet recommended having her spayed,
but my friend isn't sure she wants to do that until she's tried other
options. I don't have much experience with mares in heat, so couldn't
offer any advice. I'd welcome any feedback you could offer. Thanks!
