tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post4188413481963207785..comments2023-10-10T09:18:31.563-07:00Comments on Pony Girl Rides Again: Mares- You Gotta Love 'Em!Pony Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464088874054923635noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-77880724433232697282009-12-20T12:55:27.616-08:002009-12-20T12:55:27.616-08:00What a great post! Loved reading all the comments...What a great post! Loved reading all the comments - we have two geldings and a mare who tends to be squealy, but honestly, I've only noticed she is that way when NOT under saddle. I love our paint gelding to death, he sure does have a lot of personality, but I agree with the other comments - it really doesn't matter the gender, it's the horse's overall personality that matters, and that varies from horse to horse.Girl Tornadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07289862625817473671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-27879917516081100102009-12-19T17:31:38.728-08:002009-12-19T17:31:38.728-08:00There is a song called "Mares" by Mary A...There is a song called "Mares" by Mary Ann Kennedy. I love that song and it makes me get tears in my eyes.<br /><br />I have loved all my mares But I have also met mares I wouldn't want to own, just like I've met some geldings the same. I do believe it is about the individual. Funny on the comments Re geldings being consistent. I've thought that myself; if a gelding is grumpy, he is grumpy all the time. :) I do really love the optimistic goofy types of geldings though, but I also love complex, thoughtful, moody mares. <br /><br />I truly don't have a bias one way or the other, and in fact a couple of my all time best horses have been geldings, but somehow in the last twenty years, every time I go looking for a new horse I come home with a mare. I am looking right now, and am wondering, will this be the new era of the gelding? :)T.L. Merrybardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03713406934061779754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-1302015601824684952009-12-19T17:10:15.448-08:002009-12-19T17:10:15.448-08:00What a great topic! I just ordered the book-- tha...What a great topic! I just ordered the book-- thanks! I have only ever had mares. I have 5 right now. I absolutely love my mares!! I remember a saying that went something like: tell a gelding, ask a stallion, but discuss it with a mare... I agree with much of what others have said. My mares have a different flavor every day so I never get bored with them. They really do require a relationship to get the best out of them but they are all heart and will give everything they have once you have their heart and mind. I love the way they look over their shoulder and give me the evil eye if I mess up while riding. I love the challenge their mare attitude presents. Mares forever for me!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03154329900851070780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-19903824437917711002009-12-19T16:58:09.562-08:002009-12-19T16:58:09.562-08:00Have you noticed how each mare is different from o...Have you noticed how each mare is different from others? Some are affectionate and others aren't? Some are bossy, some not? Every horse is an individual, just like people, and gender is only one piece of the complete personality! Even though mares generally have greater sensitivity and try harder, geldings are more steady. But not always. We should choose a horse not by gender alone. Or maybe let the horse choose us.Betsy Kelleherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08611185112934189592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-72040993411746470922009-12-19T15:54:29.539-08:002009-12-19T15:54:29.539-08:00When I learned to ride, it was only on geldings. W...When I learned to ride, it was only on geldings. When I went to buy my own horse, I wanted a gelding, but ended up with a mare! At first I poo-poohed all the "Marish" behavior comments that it always seemed like people had! But after last summer, I think that my mare too can be a little marish on certain days! Oh dear! And OH WELL! I love her anyway, and maybe more because of it! Girls are complicated and if that makes us cranky sometimes, then that is how it will have to be!<br />PS I love Etsy very much, and I want that horse tee from Stevester so bad!!!!!!!baystatebrumbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00157539477153261305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-77973505631640543382009-12-19T09:43:14.904-08:002009-12-19T09:43:14.904-08:00Wow, this is interesting. I've had good and b...Wow, this is interesting. I've had good and bad with both mares and geldings--never owned a stallion though. I don't think I have a preference.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14303523299217618526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-20580367892971860412009-12-19T07:44:32.522-08:002009-12-19T07:44:32.522-08:00what a totally fascinating post and remarks. I lov...what a totally fascinating post and remarks. I loved reading all of them. <br /><br />I've owned 7 mares and 2 geldings. One mare I had bred 3x, resulting in one colt and 2 fillies. <br /><br />So I guess I gravitate to mares. Originally it was because if she goes lame, you can breed her, tho that no longer holds water as it is now cheaper to buy than to breed your own. <br /><br />Anyway, my mares mostly aren't mareish, they are pretty steady mounts and only squeal and behave like a horse when they are not being handled. On lead or under saddle they behave like I'd expect any of my horses to do. My horses all tend to be very aware of me, and want to actively interact with me. I'm sure that would be the case, mare or gelding.Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17685436243608973979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-16135928244788926272009-12-18T07:29:08.096-08:002009-12-18T07:29:08.096-08:00Great Topic - I really figured the gelding lovers ...Great Topic - I really figured the gelding lovers would out number the mare lovers, but that does not appear to be the case. <br /><br />I've owned, ridden, trained, raised, and shown geldings, mares, and stallions. (Even stood a stallion for a short while)<br /><br />My first choice would be a stallion. I absolutely love their personalities. I think the hormones are a big part of this, but there is just something about handling a well mannered stallion. They are incredibly smart and very observant of their surroundings. <br /><br />My second choice is a mare. Again, it has something to do with the hormones. I find that I can identify with mares the best. I once read that a mare will love you if she has a use for you in her herd, and that a gelding will love you no matter what. My mare respects that I am the aplha, and that I provide her necessities, but she is also my "girlfriend" as someone previously posted. She likes to hang around me out in the pasture, but she isn't all over me like molasses on sweet feed. I also agree that a mare will try harder than a gelding.<br /><br />Geldings are last for me....having worked with stallions, geldings really lose something when they lose those male hormones. I find that they tend to be piggish and complicate herd dynamics. I've known many more geldings to be herd aggressive than I have mares. The mares seem to set the pecking order, and life goes on....whereas the geldings have to constantly test that pecking order and cause trouble. I've owned geldings that destroyed tank heaters, turned lights on, opened gates, shredded trailer mats, and stood on fence panels. Of all the mares I've owned, I had one that liked to scrape her teeth on the tin of the barn; every other one was easy going and nondestructive.Luluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17895025606531963182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-32314211481446951102009-12-18T06:59:10.785-08:002009-12-18T06:59:10.785-08:00{Juliette}~ So true! I think My Boy can be goofy. ...{Juliette}~ So true! I think My Boy can be goofy. He has kind of a goofy, cute expression. I don't think Paint Girl's mares fall into the goofy category at all. Isn't that funny? They are more serious. Brandy is, anyway. And Fritzy is bold and friendly, but not goofy.<br /><br />{Lisa}~ Interestingly, my gelding is not affectionate or in your pocket! Although since I've had him, he's become more "friendly." My sister's mare Fritz is in your pocket. Sometimes you have to reach in and pull her out, LOL!Pony Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02464088874054923635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-26225872652862929902009-12-18T05:02:50.732-08:002009-12-18T05:02:50.732-08:00I love all horses. I do notice differences now th...I love all horses. I do notice differences now that we have two geldings. We always had mares. Both have their positives and negatives. I think mares are more aware - which can be good and bad. Geldings are so comical, I think. Almost like cartoon characters. Pie and Sovey are smart, just goofy. Mares aren't goofy. At 42 years old, I kinda like goofy!juliettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17488138405040629084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-18382357173079031762009-12-18T03:16:33.352-08:002009-12-18T03:16:33.352-08:00Oh and I was just thinking more about this and why...Oh and I was just thinking more about this and why I seem to gravitate towards mares more than geldings and I think another reason is the 'girlfriend syndrome'.<br /><br />I don't often hear of mare owners calling their mares their daughters, but I do hear many calling their geldings, their sons or their boy.<br /><br />Sometimes I'll overhear someone calling their gelding their buddy, but rarely if ever do I hear that term being used for a mare.<br /><br />Instead I'll hear mare owners call their mares their partners...or their girl-friend...as in what I call my mare, "Hey Girl!" or "How ya doin' Girlfriend!" or "Hey Lady!".<br />(I also call her Baby Cakes, too. lol!)<br /><br />Another thing I was thinking about is when I handle or work with my mare, I don't treat her like she's my pet, or like a child. It's more like she is an equal and a partner and I am working *with* her.<br />She's so smart that I honestly think she would be offended if I treated her any other way. <br />lol!<br /><br /><br />~LisaLaughing Orca Ranchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03562627840013868980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-56577327149509774472009-12-18T02:47:38.979-08:002009-12-18T02:47:38.979-08:00I don't have a lot of experience with geldings...I don't have a lot of experience with geldings, but the ones I've been around have all been pushy, in-your-face, in-your-pocket ponies. It kind of freaked me out. While the goofiness and nuzzling behavior is cute, it's also a little intimidating for me. I'm sure some mares can probably be the same way, but I've not met any yet.<br />The mares I've been around all seem a little bit stand-offish, independant and more respectful of my space.<br /><br />Sometimes I wish my mare would be more affectionate, but I also like that she's not as needy and she respects my space. Something I've been appreciating even more since my injuries.<br /><br />I'll have to check out that book. Gotta love a mare!<br /><br />I do.<br /><br />~LisaLaughing Orca Ranchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03562627840013868980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-49843957666287083972009-12-17T19:30:10.977-08:002009-12-17T19:30:10.977-08:00What a great read!What a great read!Carroll Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06984389331445746632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-66558673326390886892009-12-17T18:43:42.911-08:002009-12-17T18:43:42.911-08:00My first horse (had him all through my childhood) ...My first horse (had him all through my childhood) was a gelding. He was a great steady-eddy horse. Now, I have 2 geldings and 3 mares. I'd say that I've noticed that geldings seem pretty simple (not stupid - just uncomplicated). Each mare I have is different (one is confident, but lazy, another skiddish, but with tons of heart), but one thing I have noticed is that mares seem more interested with their place in the herd and in the social hierarchy. My mares have tended toward being a little more herd bound, while my geldings seem to not really care as much, and especially seem to be more adventurous with trail riding. None of my mares are "marish" or moody...but they just seem more complex...more layers to their personality.<br /><br />I don't think I can have a preference. I like them both. They are both great compliments toward one another...the species of "horse" is not complete without both!Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17723871612780795334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-85472618094247399192009-12-17T11:47:13.385-08:002009-12-17T11:47:13.385-08:00Hey Pony Girl, so good to hear from you!!! Thanks ...Hey Pony Girl, so good to hear from you!!! Thanks for your kind words about Nick. We have our appointment for surgery on Jan. 5th. It was that or next week and we didn't want to go Christmas week. He's doing fine in the meantime as long as no one gets on his back. The hock problem is the main problem with the back problem being a byproduct of the hock problem. There, did that make sense? lol! <br /><br />I have had mares and geldings and I guess I don't have a preference. I think mares can be a little more moody at times but I have never had any bad experiences with them. My first and second horses were both mares. Right now I have all geldings, didn't do that purposely, you know how they just sometimes get dropped in your lap.<br /><br />Again, so nice to hear from you!!! Merry Christmas!!Midlife Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-42533010680111123912009-12-17T09:24:54.044-08:002009-12-17T09:24:54.044-08:00Most definitely geldings!! We have had a lot of p...Most definitely geldings!! We have had a lot of problems with mares. I am, however, thinking of ordering this book for my bro-in-law. Thanks for the heads up.The Wadeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15805015528223049604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-24123329541309095212009-12-17T07:29:02.782-08:002009-12-17T07:29:02.782-08:00Wow, I have really enjoyed all these comments! Thi...Wow, I have really enjoyed all these comments! This is so thrilling, speaking as the one who put the "MARES, ya gotta love em" book together. I started a blog not long ago, at betsykellehermarebooks.blogspot.com and this is the kind of discussion I was hoping for on that blog! But hey, this is great!Betsy Kelleherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08611185112934189592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-81913998790058106802009-12-17T07:00:07.489-08:002009-12-17T07:00:07.489-08:00I always prefered mares and was looking for one wh...I always prefered mares and was looking for one when my gelding fell in my lap. I like him, but I still would like to get a 2nd horse that's a mare.A Bay Horsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16519878838113259362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-69895168491245928672009-12-17T06:56:38.224-08:002009-12-17T06:56:38.224-08:00{Nuz Muz}~ Great anecdote about the guy and his op...{Nuz Muz}~ Great anecdote about the guy and his opinion on mares/stallions! These insights from you all are so fascinating, especially since I personally have such little experience from mares. Maybe my next horse should be a mare! :)Pony Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02464088874054923635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-6387575196118913062009-12-17T06:48:27.592-08:002009-12-17T06:48:27.592-08:00Both of my makeover horses were geldings...but I L...Both of my makeover horses were geldings...but I LOVE mares! I'd never adopt a gelding over a mare, ever. The girls are sensitive and, yes, sometimes cranky, but so much smarter!Traceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06045746044917443807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-71267031676949798882009-12-17T06:24:01.258-08:002009-12-17T06:24:01.258-08:00When I first got involved in the horse world, I ch...When I first got involved in the horse world, I chose a gelding because that was the horse I developed an attachment with. My friend is a breeder, so she prefers mares, yet I found all her mares to be aloof and pissy. I mentioned to my trainer that I prefer geldings, and she said, "Me too. You have to be careful how you ride a mare, but geldings just don't care. You can make all the mistakes needed while learning to ride on a gelding, and they tolerate it."<br /><br />However, still my next two horses ended up being mares. I found that I can develop deep connections with them too, and they seem more confident. Even though my filly spooks a lot, it's not anywhere near as bad as it was with my gelding when he was her age. My experience is that mares can be more difficult to ride, but they also teach you to be a better rider. I don't know how much of that is just my experience vs. how much is an actual rule of thumb. We know that mares have the hormone fluctuations. I once said to a man who kept stallions, "You must be very good with horses to keep several stallions at your place."<br /><br />He looked at me funny and said "Actually, stallions are very sweet and easy to work with. I'd be afraid to keep mares."Nuzzling Muzzleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07649710635013663900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-61324448114005472392009-12-17T05:36:09.523-08:002009-12-17T05:36:09.523-08:00I had to come back to see what everyone said. Grea...I had to come back to see what everyone said. Great post, PG!Leah Fryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18158981037468411293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-4821645558338258422009-12-17T05:05:54.449-08:002009-12-17T05:05:54.449-08:00This is fascinating - I have had both mares and ge...This is fascinating - I have had both mares and geldings (and one adorable stallion) and I love them all. Mares can be gentler, no doubt, but also fussier too. I have never ever chosen an animal (equine anyway) on gender. My Yvette is the sweetest thing - but then so is my Tradesman. <br />:-)<br />BBBBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14985371070644061676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-15973933729356498752009-12-17T04:55:25.137-08:002009-12-17T04:55:25.137-08:00I have both and they each have their strengths and...I have both and they each have their strengths and weaknesses in gender and individuals. It just depends upon what you'll be doing with them and how they've been trained from the very beginning. I believe mares are often misunderstood because people don't know how to read their behavior properly....so therefore, they get pegged as difficult, marish or the like. If you really don't want to worry about female cycles and are not going to breed a mare, then a gelding is a good choice. On the other hand, I'll have to agree with Angelia Almos 100% as she explained the difference very well. A mare will give you all she has! They do tend to be more sensitive and that's why you see them a lot in the performance rings. I'm sticking with the theory....there are no bad horses regardless of gender....just bad trainers. On a slightly different note: human attitudes will carry over to the animal....I've observed men who have issues with women and will have a preconceived opinion about mares! There's some food for thought!LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tangohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18432986911571557592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8237219937417683108.post-65876162858803506012009-12-17T04:04:24.202-08:002009-12-17T04:04:24.202-08:00I've only had geldings. The people I know that...I've only had geldings. The people I know that have been seriously injured by a kick or bite, it's been mares or stallions so I'm just a bit leery of them although I would never rule out a horse simply based on it's gender. I think mares are good when they are not in close proximity to another mare. They are just so darn competitive with each other.Maery Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09897994913879836634noreply@blogger.com