Mare or Stallion?

[minihorse]

A lot of distinct characteristics and behavior related to gender are pretty known.
Can you share your pick?

 

[Standards Equine]

If you're asking preferences to mares, stallions or geldings, I have one of each currently (horses, not minis) and they are all incredibly different.
The mare: She has a standard of kindness. She will try her heart out for you if you are patient in your explanation. She responds very well to positive words and pats. She does not tolerate arrogance. Definitely a leader in her own.
The stallion: Sire to the afore-mentioned mare. I'd created him so we have a 12-year history. He much prefers that he doesn't have to make decisions in his life, he'd rather have a clear leader that tells him where he needs to be and what he needs to do. He is not brave although is the "herd protector" when challenged. He loves consistency. He does not respond to force, he despises a whip but respects spurs. He is very kind and gentle and also loves to be fussed over. He will tolerate more than the mare.
The gelding: He's related to the mare through the dam's site. He's a big goofy ball of fun. My most trusted partner. Little phases him. Has far more tolerance to stupidity. Would rather eat cookies than be fussed over, but still enjoys attention and interaction. Much better at making decisions when needed.

 

[LostandFound]

I always liked mares. I've had a lot of great geldings and a few great stallions, but when I've had a really close bond it's always been a mare.

 

[GoldenTree]

I love stallions. They can be a handful and require a lot of work but the heart they give is unmatched in my experience. I know some love mares but I personally love stallions. I strive to get all mine to a place where they can be working horses. Worked along side mares with no trouble. And truthfully I geld them eventually because I don't have the desire to breed. But I love them and their energy.

 

[Kelly]

I geldings! Laid back, easy going, try to please, and sometimes they can even be little princesses

 

[Dragon Hill]

I love boys. Although I've owned more mares and have had some really great ones. Boys are less complicated. It's the hormones. Even with a stallion, it's all cool, or wants to breed, or want to kill something. With a mare it can be any combination, at any time.

 

[Standards Equine]

Question: Has anyone had experience with a spayed mare?

 

[HersheyMint]

No, for me.

 

[LostandFound]

I heard about one a long time ago. If I recall correctly it did not change her attitude or behavior at all.

 

[Taz]

I knew one years ago. She was impossible to work with when she was in season but very talented and great to work with when she wasn't. Spaying solved the coming into season problem and she had a great show career.

 

[Dragon Hill]

No, and don't know anyone that has. I've heard many people lament about wishing they could afford the procedure.

 

[Standards Equine]

I've met more than a few mares now who have had trans-rectal or trans-vaginal spaying (essentially just removes the ovaries) and they were really basically geldings. I'm going to have to think about it more as I go along with horses as I'm guessing if it's requested more, it will be available more. Doing the trans-rectal or vaginal spay is way more cost effective than doing it laparoscopically. Food for thought anyways.

 

[Kelly]

I’ve heard of spaying a mare, but then I think…. Why not just get a gelding? LOL LOL seems easier and cheaper to me

I loved my mare, never in-out of season that I could tell, she was always the same sassy little thing.… drama … or should I say very dramatic … but I guess they call that personality … LOVED HER

 

[Taz]

I don't have a preference mare. stallion or gelding, it's all about who they are to me. I am going to stick up for mares though, I've never had one that was a problem. They have all been wonderful, I think a lot of it is how you treat them. I had an instructor many many years ago who would only have a mare. He was an eventer. He said if you're out on course and they are tired and fall a gelding will just lie there but a mare will get up and attack the rest of the course. Besides, have you ever had a man ask you if you had your period just because you were angry with him and/or calling him on something? I will never complain about a mare who is a little cranky.