Mary Allen
The nature or character of a horse depends not only on its breed and breeding line, but also on its gender. Mares sometimes have a different behavior than geldings and even more so in contrast to stallions. But how do you find the right horse? Don’t be fooled by gender idiosyncrasies. If you get detailed information, you will quickly know which horse is the right one and what to look out for when it comes to the differences.
Why is the gender of the horse so important?
The more species-appropriate and natural horses are kept, the clearer the gender-specific characteristics in their behavior can be recognized. The individual character depends in part on gender, but not only. In addition, numerous other factors such as breed, age, rearing and, last but not least, living conditions play a much greater role.
Mainly certain prejudices refer to the horse sex. For example, an old saying goes: “The rider begs the mare, commands the gelding, and consults the stallion.”
It’s not that simple, of course, but a certain trend can already be seen here. Dealing with the horse is definitely aimed at its sexual “attitude”, although primarily with regard to the attitude and possible uses. In addition, mare, stallion and gelding have a lot in common.
Gender becomes important when certain requirements are based on it:
- For breeding, of course
- For specific sports
- For social tasks
- Generally for private attitude
In fact, there are equestrian clubs that refuse stallions. But gender must also be taken into account at tournaments, courses and other events. A mare in heat can be just as complicated as the lovestruck stallion. Only the gelding always seems to be calm personified. But is that true? Is this even intentional?
Differences in horse husbandry
If the intention is not to breed, mares in heat should be kept away from stallions. So why get a stallion at all? Clearly: Her imposing demeanor is reflected in her gaits and some riders simply love to cultivate a powerful riding style with their stallion. Which doesn’t mean that a gelding or a mare can’t keep up.
With the differences, certain preferences crystallize with the rider. Most of the time, the question of the right horse is actually one of gender.
The Mare – Diva and female protector
It seems to be generally due to the female hormones that the ladies of this world tend to deserve the title “bitch”. In fact, arguments among mares can be observed more often than among their mates. On the other hand, these conflicts are usually quite harmless. Instead of throwing their hooves, mares simply push their opponents away or warn them. Most of the time, a species-typical quickening can be heard.
If the mare is in heat or has a foal with her, she will be much more aggressive. The hormones clearly control which priority has priority: the protective instinct, the sex drive or maybe just the urge to assert oneself in the herd hierarchy.
But their playing behavior also differs from that of the male animals. Mares often show more “manners” when playing, which may be due to their great sense of responsibility. Even towards people, especially children, this becomes clear. Mares sometimes move more carefully. However, they can also become quite stubborn or even offended when things don’t match their expectations.
Some horse connoisseurs claim to be able to tell by the eyes alone whether it is a mare. Looking at the entire physique is a bit more scientific. For example, the neck is less pronounced than in a stallion of the same breed.
In terms of performance, the mare is in no way inferior to the horse owners. She may bring a little less weight and muscle mass, but she has the same stamina and skill.
The stallion – macho and charmer
When it comes to getting a stallion, some riders shy away from the supposed temperament of the gentlemen. That’s exactly what appeals to others. Just the way they show themselves off in the paddock, pose and show who’s the boss here is quite impressive.
The gaits of a trained stallion are sometimes more lively, the head and neck are very pronounced, and the whole appearance radiates power and elegance. Nature has actually thought of something: With his aggressive and self-confident behavior, the stallion is supposed to scare off attackers and competitors before they get injured. Therefore, a stallion likes to provoke riders and trainers.
If you choose a stallion, ideally you should have a lot of experience in dealing with horses and be able to assert yourself against them. In a relationship with a stallion in particular, it must be made clear who is in charge. A hierarchy develops that is repeatedly put to the test. If the rider meets this with sovereignty and consistency, the stallion will respond with confidence. Because once the boundaries are clearly defined, even the most temperamental stallions are tame, trusting and incredibly cuddly. They can even be true gentlemen.
Confidence is then only disturbed by the male hormones. If a mare in heat is nearby, the lust for love can hardly be curbed – in the truest sense of the word. Riders of mares and stallions must therefore coordinate as well as possible so that their species-appropriate behavior is not a burden to the animals.
The gelding – gentle nature with a touch of masculinity
With castration, the stallion becomes a gelding, the macho becomes a lamb, or in technical jargon: he is “laid”. The time of the castration decides what effects this has on its nature. Usually the young stallions are castrated when they reach sexual maturity or at the age of about three years. At this point her physique is fully developed and her dominance is not yet overly pronounced, especially if mating has not yet taken place, i.e. the young stallion does not yet know what he is missing.
Ideally, the young horses have been able to live out their social behavior in groups in a manner appropriate to their species and develop this as a gelding in the herd into an sociable togetherness.
In some cases castration is deliberately delayed, if not postponed as long as possible. Reasons for this can be, for example, the sales value or that the swinging gait should continue to develop. As a result, the typical behavior of a stallion is expressed in parallel and will not simply disappear again as a result of castration. For example, late castrated geldings still show a keen interest in mares, albeit with no chance of success.
Basically, geldings are considered to be particularly social, relaxed and sociable. Especially those who were castrated early have a great play instinct well into old age, which they have retained from their younger years. No hormones that lead to stress, no responsibility for the offspring and geldings also fit in very well within the herd and in cooperation with people.
However, some of them are also considered to be significantly more fearful than mares and stallions. Possibly because they never had to assert themselves in such a role. Through training, social skills and species-appropriate husbandry, a gelding is ultimately no less powerful, dedicated and reliable than stallions and mares.
Mare, stallion, and gelding: gender management in everyday horse life
Geldings are relatively easy to keep and divide up in the herd, at least if they don’t have personal differences with one of their own kind. Therefore, they are often used as a “buffer” when mares and stallions should not meet directly. They’re keeping the hormones at bay a bit while remaining pretty much unperturbed themselves. This is particularly important when different horses come together in the stable, on the paddock or at events and there is no room for natural arguments.
Stable and herd rules: This is how the stalls are divided according to gender
Putting mares and geldings together is usually not a problem. Horses are herd animals, they love being able to sniff each other over the boxes in the stable and pass the time in the paddock with games and extensive grooming.
Stallions are no different. Putting a stallion in the box next to a mare can work well. But that’s it, at the latest when she heats up. So the stallion box is usually chosen on the side and a gelding is placed right next to it. Ideally, the steedy mare doesn’t have to walk in front of his nose and provoke him even more.
The same goes for grazing. Here, too, it is important to avoid as much stress as possible. The stallions themselves usually get along quite well with each other, as well as with geldings. Sympathies are developed individually, as are conflicts. The structure of the herd strengthens through observation and sufficient opportunities to clarify any conflicts.
For smaller clubs, however, this structure poses a space problem. Often there are only a few boxes close together. No wonder stallions are not really welcomed in small stables. And after all, they also want contact with their conspecifics and not have to stand alone somewhere. However, a love-mad stallion will not necessarily be stopped by a dainty electric fence.
Ideally, the paddocks are changed several times a year anyway, and if there is enough space, the sex separation can easily go hand in hand with sufficient grazing area. However, if only limited space is available, it is better to think twice when choosing the right horse in order to really ensure species-appropriate husbandry.
Square, hall and ride: Who is allowed to train with whom?
Once the stable and paddock have been clarified, the joint training of the riders remains to be coordinated. Ideally, there is a precise schedule in the riding arena or in the hall that everyone adheres to. Too many animals would only hinder and distract each other. Gender would be irrelevant.
However, well-behaved stallions and mares can stay together on the Carré. When everyone is deep in their training, herd hierarchies and sympathies fade into the background. Nothing speaks against a joint ride.
However, as is so often the case, mares in heat are the exception. After all, no rider suddenly wants to have a stallion behind them in the saddle. If there are other paddocks with horses on the planned ride, particular caution should be exercised with stallion riders and those who are traveling with a mare in heat.
Be considerate in tournaments
A well-coordinated barn plan is not only required for the really big events. The stable master usually takes over the division. So that the unfamiliar horses do not unnecessarily stress each other out in what is already an exciting situation, stallions and mares are generally not placed side by side. At least one gelding should ensure harmony in between.
So if you plan to take part in tournaments, you have to be prepared. But the organizers are also prepared and solve such tasks with a lot of experience and expertise. Ultimately, a stubborn gelding can be just as difficult to handle as an otherwise very nice stallion.
The right horse – a question of gender?
From all of this it follows that the question of the right horse or the right gender is unfortunately usually answered in advance by the space available on site. If you still don’t want to be impressed by this, you may have to find another stable or clarify exactly which options are realistic.
Nowadays, however, hormonal behavior is not only solved by castration – hormone injections and drug treatments are also permissible for stallions and mares alike. This could be used, for example, to suppress the steeds in preparation for a tournament.
In the end it is the individual preference for a horse that decides. Some riders may not have had as good experiences with mares and prefer geldings. Others just can’t get enough of stallions and still others love the spirit of mares. Where the heart falls…
In addition, future horse owners should be very clear about the demands they place on their new darling. Race is much more important than gender.