Re: Mares vs. Geldings

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/19/98 7:10:15 PM Pacific Standard Time,
Dbeverly4@aol.com writes:

<< I'm curious to know what the general consensus of
 opinion is regarding riding a mare versus a gelding.  I have always ridden
 geldings (since getting kicked by a cranky mare when I was 9 for no apparent
 reason).  Geldings are definitely predominant in both endurance and
 competitive trail (Potato's great mare not withstanding).  So what is the
 opinion out there?  Are mares too hormonal? >>

It used to be, many years ago in this sport, that most people did ride
geldings.  Now I'm noticing more and more mares, and they are doing well !!
I'm riding the first mare I've had since I was a child, and here are my
observations, based on this particular one --- she's head and shoulders
smarter than any of our geldings; she takes better care of herself on the
trail (eats, drinks, etc. -- I attribute this to the instincts of the female
-- she HAS to survive in the wild, her colt depends on it); yes, she's a witch
at times, but she only sneers, does not kick or bite.  I become exasperated
with her sneering at times, but even when she was in heat on a ride, she was
attentive to the event, not the horse next to her.  She's the most trail savvy
animal I've ever ridden -- can recognize a trail she's been on before and
never miss a turn.  I'm pretty impressed with the number of mares in
competition these days and how well they are doing.

BMc