Pick exercises that can help her focus, such as jumping combinations or changes in gait or direction. Give her something that she already knows how to do, since she probably won’t be able to learn anything new while she is in heat. [1] X Research source
Pay close attention to your mare’s body language when grooming her. If she is growing increasingly agitated, especially as you work your way back on her body, stop your grooming session.
Do not keep the mare and the stallion in adjacent pastures or pens. [6] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. If you are not familiar with horses, it may be better to get guidance from someone who has experience with horses. [7] X Expert Source Kate JutagirEquestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. Read books about horse care and horse behavior. [8] X Expert Source Kate JutagirEquestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. Spend more time with horses and interact with them to learn about all their aspects. [9] X Expert Source Kate JutagirEquestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
Since these synthetic hormones mimic your mare’s naturally circulating hormones, it is unlikely that you will run into problems with competition drug rules. [12] X Research source However, you should still check the rules before starting your mare on hormone therapy. If your mare’s heat-related behaviors are merely annoying, and don’t have a major impact on her training or competitiveness, then hormone therapy is probably not necessary.
Regu-Mate comes in an oral formulation, which you can either add to your mare’s feed or administer directly into her mouth via a syringe. The oral formulation is oily and can be messy, so adding it to her feed may be a little easier. [14] X Research source Regu-Mate is also injectable. However, the daily intramuscular injection could cause soreness and scar tissue development at the injection site. [15] X Research source With the injectable formulation, it will take about 24 hours to see an effect. [16] X Research source Heat is usually suppressed within 3 days with the oral formulation. [17] X Research source You can stop giving Regu-Mate at any point. When you stop giving it, your mare will return to heat within about 5 days. [18] X Research source You must wear nonporous gloves when giving your mare Regu-mate! It can absorb into human skin and cause abnormal cycles in women, as well as infertility in both men and women. [19] X Research source
A progesterone + estradiol hormone therapy regimen can be given in either a short- or long-acting formulation. [22] X Research source Your veterinarian will let you know which would be best for your mare.
Oxytocin does not have many side effects and may actually be less expensive than other hormone therapy options. [24] X Research source
There are a number of herbs you could consider, including chaste tree berry (hormone level regulation), European angelica (reduction of unpleasant hormone-related symptoms), red clover (estrogen-like effects), and motherwort (reduction of irritability). Talk with your veterinarian before giving your mare herbal supplements. Surgical removal of your mare’s ovaries (‘Oophorectomy’) is another option, but should be a last resort. [26] X Research source Although your mare will stop cycling, she may still exhibit heat-related behavior. [27] X Research source Implantation of small, sterile marbles into a mare’s uterus has been shown to suppress estrus. [28] X Research source The marbles can keep a mare out of heat for up to 90 days, but this method has variable effectiveness. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Association of Equine Practitioners National organization with a mission of improving the health and welfare of horses and providing resources to people who work with them. Go to source
A mare’s cycling may begin as early as March and end as late as October or November. Some mares may have a transition period before the start of the cycling season or at its end, causing them to show signs of being in heat for weeks at a time. [32] X Research source The part of a mare’s cycle when she is not in heat is called diestrus. [33] X Research source Rarely, certain medical conditions (ovarian tumors, equine Cushing’s disease, uterine infection, poor nutrition) can cause abnormal cycling behavior. [34] X Research source
Keep the diary for about a month. Remember to include your mare’s behavior around other horses, especially stallions. This will help you and your veterinarian devise a strategy for managing your mare when she is in heat. Make the journal a team activity. Whoever is around your mare (yourself, trainers, caretakers) should record her behavior. It may even help to make a video recording of her behavior. [35] X Research source
Gait abnormalities can also occur when a mare is in heat. [37] X Research source You may find that your mare is very distracted when she is in heat. She probably won’t follow your instructions very well when you are riding or training her. [38] X Research source When she in heat, your mare may also become more irritable and easily startled, as well as very sensitive to the touch. Ovulation can be painful, making your mare more sensitive. [39] X Research source Be aware that some of her bad behavior may actually be associated with her coming out of heat.
Your veterinarian will likely take blood samples and perform rectal palpitations on your mare to accurately determine where she is in her cycle. It may take several veterinary visits before your veterinarian can accurately diagnose your mare and devise an effective treatment plan. [41] X Research source Your mare may also need veterinary evaluation if her heat-related behaviors are affecting her ability to train and compete. Bring your daily journal to your veterinary visits.
