Horse feed manufacturer Blue Chip has launched the UK’s first dedicated feed balancer for hormonal mares as part of its established range of super-concentrated balancers. While there are many supplements targeted specifically at “moody mares”, this is the first feed balancer of its kind.

The Happy Mare balancer is formulated specifically to support the nutritional needs of mares, helping them maintain a normal oestrus cycle as undesirable behaviour is often attributed to hormonal fluctuations that affect the mare’s physical comfort and way of going.

The balancer combines targeted botanical ingredients, including chaste tree berry, raspberry leaf and dandelion, with complete daily nutrition to support hormonal balance, digestive health, and overall wellbeing. The ingredients have been chosen to help mares maintain an even temperament and steady energy levels, while supporting muscle tone and topline for good-doers.

The new balancer provides mare owners a practical and easy feeding solution that offers an alternative to adding a supplement to their existing daily feed ration. As a small daily serving, the balancer can also be fed by hand, which makes it ideal for fussy eaters.

Blue Chip describes the formulation as being underpinned by a strong focus on digestive health, recognising its critical role in hormone function, adding that when the gut is out of balance, hormones can be, too. By combining targeted ingredients with the right balance of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and advanced digestive support, Happy Mare balancer is formulated to help mares feel more consistent, settled and comfortable.

This balancer is not recommended for pregnant mares or broodmares because of its chaste tree berry content.

Blue Chip Happy Mare balancer

The Blue Chip Happy Mare balancer is available in a 3kg recyclable pouch with an RRP of £31.75. This bag will last a 500kg horse one month.

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Everyone knows a “moody mare” – whether their hormones are causing them to be difficult to handle, ride or train, or are interfering with a broodmare’s natural breeding cycle, it can present a real challenge. But this is something that the best supplements for moody mares can often help with.

The length of a mare’s natural breeding season varies, but it typically starts around March/April each year, so early spring is a great time to begin supplementing to encourage regularity, reduce unpredictability and support more consistent behaviour, which will in turn lead to improved performance and a happier horse.

Supplements for moody mares: what are your options?

Here is a selection of the best supplements for moody mares that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…

NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations or a loading dose, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.

Dodson & Horrell Stroppy Mare

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg

RRP: £18.78 for 1kg

Daily measure: 30g

Cost per day: £0.56

A comforting blend for a hormonal mare that includes herbs that support hormonal function and the reproductive system, as well as having calming properties.

NAF Five Star Oestress

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 1l, 2l, 5l

RRP: £39.99 for 1l

Daily measure: 25–50ml

Cost per day: £1.00–2.00

This supplement compliments the natural oestrus cycle by encouraging regularity and supporting hormone balance. Also available as a powder.

Equine America No More Moods

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 1l

RRP: £25.99

Daily measure: 15–30ml

Cost per day: From £0.39

This supplement contains micronutrients that help to balance hormones, contribute to relieving muscle tension and support a calm mare.

Premier Performance Sassy Mare Plus

Form: Powder

Sizes: 480g, 960g, 1.3kg, 1.92kg, 3.84kg, 9.6kg

RRP: £26.25 for 480g

Daily measure: 16–32g

Cost per day: £0.85–1.75

Formulated with a specific blend of herbs, minerals, vitamins and amino acids to support hormonal balance, wellbeing and overall calmness.

Equine Products UK Mood Balancer

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 1l

RRP: £28

Daily measure: 30ml

Cost per day: £0.84

Designed to maintain normal behaviour and temperament so that performance doesn’t suffer.

Global Herbs FriskyMare Plus

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg, 5kg

RRP: £43.50 for 1kg

Daily measure: 25g

Cost per day: £1.09

A mix of traditional calming herbs that help manage the behaviours and comfort of cycling mares, reducing unpredictability and aggression caused by hormone levels.

EquiNutritive Moody Madam

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg, 3kg

RRP: £45.99 for 1kg

Daily measure: 30g

Cost per day: £1.38

This natural mare supplement is a carefully cultivated mix of seven dried herbs combined to maintain hormone balance and support your mare through her season.

Science Supplements HormonAid

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1.55kg

RRP: £44.99

Daily measure: 51g

Cost per day: £1.19

Designed to work alongside the natural cycle of the mare, this supplement helps to relieve tension and support a more amenable demeanour. It contains vitex agnus-castus extract, which helps to ease transitions through the oestrus cycle, selected herbs that encourage a stable mood, vitamins that promote a good mental attitude and magnesium, which helps to ease hormone associated muscle cramps or tenderness.

Hilton Herbs Easy Mare

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 1l, 3l, 5l

RRP: £32.95 for 1l

Daily measure: 25ml

Cost per day: £0.82

This supplement contains medical grade herbs selected to help support a balanced hormonal system and offer mares comfort during their seasons.

Cavalor Venus

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 500ml, 2l

RRP: £42 for 500ml

Daily measure: 20ml

Cost per day: £1.68

A herbal extract that supports the hormonal balance in sensitive and moody mares by helping to regulate the hormonal cycle.

Omega Agnus Castus

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg, 3kg

RRP: £14.99 for 1kg

Daily measure: 30g

Cost per day: £0.45

Agnus castus is linked to supporting a healthy pituitary gland and endocrine system. This allows horses to healthily self-regulate their metabolism, growth, reproductive system and response to stress. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that contains compounds that ease stress and low mood.

How to choose the best supplement for moody mares

Most hormonal supplements for mares are made of a combination of a range of herbs that are known for their regulating and calming properties. They are available in both liquid and powder form. Your horse may have a preference to one over another, you need to make sure your horse is receiving the recommended dose or they won’t receive the benefit.

We’ve calculated the daily cost of all the supplements featured in this guide to help you compare them easily. To make it as comparable as possible, we’ve used the smallest tubs available, but if you’re better off buying a larger volume of supplement if you can as the daily cost can become significantly lower.

If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.

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Many early pregnancy losses in horses could be caused by chromosome defects, a new pioneering study has shown.

Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), as part of a team from Cornell University, analysed 256 samples from mares to understand how abnormalities in chromosomes affect early pregnancy loss. The study found that having three sets of a certain type of chromosome, as opposed to the two in a healthy foetus, was the most common chromosomal abnormality that contributed to pregnancy loss.

Other irregularities included the presence of one extra chromosome, and one fewer, which accounted for 12% of losses. The researchers said the findings mean it is possible to account for potential causes in 60–70% of early pregnancy loss, up from 20–30%.

Lead researcher Mandi de Mestre, a professor in equine medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, told H&H this work builds on previous knowledge in this area – and although it is not known yet what causes chromosome abnormalities, the work shows they are “incredibly common”.

“Miscarriage is really emotional; obviously you have lost that potential for life that people are desperate to reproduce from their mare, but the other frustrating thing is not being able to explain why it occurred,” said Professor de Mestre, adding that the research looked at naturally covered mares, and further studies would be needed to look at pregnancies occurring from IVF.

“The main take-home is that we are now starting to know that it could be the first thing to think of when your mare loses a pregnancy, at least in those first two months. We clearly have a lot of work to do on how we can prevent it, how we can develop treatments, or make mating choices that reduce the chance of it happening.

“Given how common it is, I don’t think we’re likely to wipe it out, but you might change how you go about treatment for that mare in the knowledge that this is a really common thing to look out for.”

RVC research fellow Jessica Lawson added that in addition to the “significant findings”, the team “for the first time, has identified sub-chromosomal aberrations in an aborted foetus and a stillborn foal”.

“These aberrations likely constitute a rare but important cause of later-term pregnancy loss, and we look forward to continuing to investigate the clinical significance of these genomic changes,” said Dr Lawson.

The researchers also said that although chromosomal abnormalities are widely acknowledged as a common cause of human miscarriage, owing to the similarities between human and equine chromosome structures and other pregnancy characteristics, this study supports the use of horses as a “novel model organism to study miscarriage in women”.

“In women, you see these genetic conditions as a common cause of miscarriage, but we often don’t get these really early samples. Because we scan horses regularly and monitor them so closely, we were able to look at an even earlier period than they routinely look at in women,” said Prof de Mestre.

The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association contributed funds, data and case material to the research, and the association’s veterinary committee chair James Crowhurst told H&H the results “proved highly informative” and are “exciting in terms of broadening understanding in this area”.

“As conception rates in horses have greatly improved over the last 40 years, in no small part due to pioneering work by Professor William ‘Twink’ Allen and his team, plus others, attention was then drawn to exploring the causative factors of pregnancy loss,” said Dr Crowhurst.

“Simultaneous advances in genetic analysis have allowed Prof Mandi de Mestre and Dr Jessica Lawson to investigate genetic causes of early embryonic failure, leading to these pioneering studies.”

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Dismissing certain unwanted behaviours as “mareish” is doing mares a huge disservice – and could contribute to compromised welfare.

This is the view of equine behaviour consultant Shelby Dennis, who was driven to bring attention to the extent of the “internalised misogyny” projected on to mares, who may be trying to communicate they are in pain or discomfort.

Shelby, from near Vancouver, Canada, told H&H she frequently sees such comments online, on her own posts and videos and others’.

“Especially on Instagram or TikTok, you see really upset, stressed horses, showing stress or pain behaviour, and either the person making the video will make a comment about a ‘typical mare’, or people will comment saying ‘definitely a mare’,” she said. “I’ve noticed such a distinct bias, and not just from everyday equestrians, from professionals too.”

Shelby said she too once favoured geldings, but now has more mares.

“When my [former racehorse] mare arrived, she was a ‘typical mare’,” she said. “She was dangerous; leading her could be like flying a kite, she’d try to kick and bite when you brushed her. We treated her for ulcers and it solved the brushing issue instantly. She enjoys it now.”

Shelby said the mare had some other issues, including pain in the poll area caused by the bit she had been ridden in.

“Those things played into her stress,” she said. “Because she was so physically uncomfortable, it took less to stress her out. Looking at her face now, compared to when she came – she’s like a different horse. If I’d tried to ‘ride her through it’, I don’t think she’d be where she is now as she’d still be dealing with all the causes of her discomfort.”

Shelby said she believes much “mareish” behaviour is down to the fact mares may be more likely than geldings to try to communicate that something is wrong.

“It might be because it’s the mares who teach their foals how to communicate with other horses, and deal with the world, so communicating is critical to their job,” she said.

“I think things are changing in people realising such behaviour can be relating to pain or discomfort; even a few years ago people were less likely to believe that, but maybe if a horse fits the stereotype, it’s easier to write her off as ‘mareish’ than face the fact there might be something bigger going on, or admit that she’s in pain.”

Although she agrees it can be difficult to know where to start with veterinary intervention for non-specific unwanted behaviour, Shelby believes people may be less likely to investigate the cause in mares owing to the stereotypes, which “does them a disservice”.

“We need to denormalise aggression,” she said. “Aggression is a last resort for horses; they’re flight animals, so if they choose to be like that, it’s something we should all take note of.

“This bias against mares and how many of their attempts to communicate their discomfort are simply attributed to their sex is archaic and embarrassing.”

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The equine breeding industry is brimming with pioneers and once in a while, a new concept emerges that makes you stop and take note. “Access proven breeding” is the buzz phrase behind Belgium-based Mares Of Macha (MoM), which offers frozen embryos boasting only the finest genes via the best damlines. The name originates from a goddess in Irish mythology, who is often depicted with a foal, and underlines mares as the cornerstone of breeding.

The enterprise is the brainchild of Belgian entrepreneur Klaas de Coster, alongside Belgian Olympic bronze medal-winning showjumper Pieter Devos and commentator and auctioneer Frederik de Backer – a team bursting with passion and knowledge on their mission to give breeders around the world access to some of the most coveted bloodlines in showjumping.

“We noticed that it was difficult to access the best bloodlines – the most common way to do this was via auctions where only the highest bidder could get an exclusive foal. To make this easier, we had to do something different,” says Pieter. “We try to find the best mares in the world and offer all the embryos for fixed and accessible prices on our website.”

The concept has been years in the making, but from day one, the MoM team have been handpicking their mares according to at least one of three strict markers relating to performance, offspring and damlines, which they pinpointed from extensive research into the sport’s top performers. So she either needs to be a proven sport mare – placed at 1.60m five-star level – or to have already produced an extreme sport horse herself or to be directly out of an extraordinary sporting bloodline.

“‘Extraordinary’ is important there and we don’t think there are too many,” stresses co-founder Klaas, who has been immersed in the showjumping world for 12 years through his sound and lighting company and has already bred grand prix horses himself.

He struck gold with his first purchase from Stephan Conter, Goya, a quality daughter of renowned broodmare Usha Van’t Roosakker by Kannan and a full-sister to several five-star grand prix horses.

“For us, Usha was one of the most amazing breeding mares in the world, so to have a direct daughter was important – we paid a lot of money, but we had a plan and we believed in it,” says Klaas.

MoM now boasts a roster of around 40 black-type mares, boasting some of the world’s most coveted gene pools. Werly Chin De Muze (pictured below), the foundation mare of US stud Spy Coast Farm, meets all three markers – she produced Eric Lamaze’s 2012 Olympic contender Derly Chin De Muze, also the dam of Daniel Deusser’s top mare Killer Queen VDM, she jumped 1.60m herself and came directly out of the outstanding mare Qerly Chin.

Other mares include Whoopie C, the dam of Daniel Deusser’s Tobago Z, Cascha Della Caccia (by Cassini I), who produced Cian O’Connor’s European partner PSG Final, and “the icing on the cake” Contara, the dam of the world’s leading sire Chacco-Blue.

Then there is a string of top performers such as Molly Malone, Sancha LS and, grabbing the headlines recently, Toveks Mary Lou, one of a few mares in partnership rather than sold to MoM. When you can combine these with some of the best sires including Chacco-Blue, Emerald and Comme Il Faut, it’s no wonder the team’s client base is global.

“The three of us tend to pick the stallions together – it’s very subjective though,” says Pieter, who hails from a family steeped in breeding expertise. “Often our clients select the stallion themselves but sometimes they pick their own stallion.”

‘In the best hands’

The magic happens in Italy. The mares reside at the Mares Of Macha farm, Borgo La Caccia, located to the east of Milan and only half an hour away from Avantea, a clinic that specialises in advanced technologies for animal reproduction, led by Dr Cesare Galli, using the ovum pick up (OPU) technique followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). At Borgo La Caccia, which also boasts a vineyard, the MoM herd of broodmares enjoy the region’s lush grass and Mediterranean climate all year round.

“If one of my top mares retired tomorrow, I wanted to be able to stand 200% behind the fact I would send her to my own breeding farm in Italy,” says Pieter. “So we’ve done everything to make sure they’re in the best hands over there – we have our own team, our own farm and everything is under our control.”

Klaas explains: “Our vet checks each horse weekly and if they’re ready, they go in and if they’re not, they go back in the field. We don’t use any hormones. You can do OPU every three weeks, but we do a maximum of six OPU sessions per winter – that’s roughly the same as you could with embryo transfer.”

The successfully fertilised eggs are frozen before being shipped to a reproduction facility in Belgium, where they can begin their journey to their new owners.

After investing in their mares, the easy way for MoM to recoup their costs would have been to sell their embryos at auction, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, leading to skyrocketing prices. But their decision to ensure “access proven breeding” means they sell all the embryos themselves at fixed prices.

“We had many discussions about how to do this because everyone was doing it through auctions,” explains Klaas. “But access proven breeding is not auctions – that’s highest-bidder proven breeding – so we decided to do it completely differently.”

The MoM website provides a tantalising shop window for their catalogue of frozen embryos and is brilliant in its simplicity – after selecting your mare and choice of embryo from the stallions they’ve been paired with, it’s yours at the click of a button.

“Transparency is key, so we divided our mares and their embryos into four fixed-price categories,” explains Klaas. “All embryos are offered for sale directly – none are kept back.”

‘Access proven breeding’

This access-for-all philosophy means their client base stretches from big-money breeders buying multiple embryos to people seeing it as investment, to sell at auction further down the line to local hobby breeders looking for a new bloodline.

“It’s so easy for breeders – they buy the embryo, we ship it and we can implant it – we can even add a guarantee that you’ll have a pregnant mare,” says Klaas. “The only thing we don’t know is the sex. We’re getting breeders from all over the world. It’s really cool.”

Looking to the future, the team also invests in future MoM mares. The aim is to integrate them into the programme later on, but to first give them every chance to prove themselves in the sport. They currently have six future MoMs, with three jumping under the MoM prefix – Toupie De La Roque (pictured below), Isaura and Coleraine Des Bergeries – and three youngsters, who are grazing in the fields for the time being.

“It’s not about creating embryos, it’s about building a community for people with a love for breeding and a love for the sport,” says Pieter.

Klaas pays tribute to his passionate colleagues, who have proved invaluable on this exciting journey.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we have an amazing team,” he says. “Frederik de Backer is all over the world, he sees lots and he has an encyclopaedic knowledge and a really clear and brilliant mind. Pieter knows how difficult it is to find good horses – he’s at the top of the sport and knows where it’s going, what type of stallions to look at – and his parents have so much experience in breeding, so he was a great match too.”

The oldest MoM embryos will be turning three this year and it feels as if sport horse breeding is on the cusp of an exciting revolution.

“Having better horses all over the world is good for everyone – of course, they have to be produced and that’s the next step, but if it’s not in the horses in the first place you have nothing to develop,” says Pieter.

Klaas adds: “Of course, we have no guarantee, but having these really good mares to breed from does increase the luck. Then add in a good stallion and the chances of producing a good jumping horse are bigger still.”

The plan is to stick within the showjumping world, where their enviable expertise lies “although never say never” to dipping their toes into dressage breeding, says Klaas.

Pieter adds: “The dream would be that in five or 10 years, a breeder will phone me up and say, ‘We have this fantastic horse we bought from you as an embryo, would you like to ride it?’ But we are just a group of young people, a new generation, with new ideas, always looking forward and doing something we really believe in.”

Taking frozen embryos to USA

Mares of Macha work closely with Spy Coast Farm in Kentucky, one of the USA’s most highly regarded sport horse breeders, and last year shipped the first batch of Chacco-Blue frozen embryos over the Atlantic. It is hoped this partnership will also help bring US bloodlines to Europe.

“We decided to partner up because we felt similar aligned interests in regard to breeding, as well as a bunch of mutual trust,” says Spy Coast’s founder Lisa Lourie. “I thought it was a brilliant concept, so much so that I was willing to sell them one of the best bloodlines in the world, the Qerly Chin De Muze/Werly Chin line. It’s the democratic nature of their business that really appeals to me – rather than one person owning a terrific broodmare and deciding who they breed to, what they produce and how they disseminate it; this way, pretty much anyone can buy an embryo from that mare.

“They’ve put a lot of statistical work into it to figure out which mares are appropriate and which stallion matches are good, and I can benefit from their analysis too.

“I think it’ll take a little while for the USA to catch up, but it’s exciting.”

Toveks Mary Lou offspring heads to UK

Somerset-based British team rider James Wilson runs Hill House Sport Horses alongside girlfriend Heather Larson, but had never bought an embryo before hearing about Mares of Macha.

“It really was a dream to get hold of some of these bloodlines, so I thought let’s have a go,” says James, who has ended up buying a handful each year.

His Catoki colt out of Whoopie C sold for £40,000 at the Bolesworth Elite Foals Auction, while he’s kept a full-brother to PSG Final and an Arera C offspring by Chacco-Blue. To acquire the bloodlines of Henrik von Eckermann’s outstanding mare Toveks Mary Lou (pictured above) would have once seemed impossible, but he’s acquired an embryo by stud Zangersheide’s stallion Aganix Du Seigneur Z, which is set to be implanted this spring.

“I’d originally spoken to Henrik to find out if they might be doing embryos from her and I kept pushing, but nothing came of it until Klaas got in touch to say they had Mary Lou,” says James. “I said yes straight away!”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Take a look at this selection of mares for sale currently listed on the Horse & Hound website, or if none of the below suit your needs, start your search for your next horse here. Our website has more horses than ever currently listed for sale – thanks to our partnership with SEIB, we are now offering all standard horse for sale adverts for free. Have you got a horse to sell? Place your free advert here.

1. ‘A real winner’

Height: 16.2hh

Gender: mare

Age: 11

Selling points: “This mare is by Berlin x Balou Du Rouet. She is extremely competitive with no less than 10 wins in 1.40m the past two months. She is competing up to 1.50m indoors, and in a 1.45m world ranking Derby class and also won the national speed championship by seven seconds. This is an extremely nice mare with the most incredible mindset that delivers results at every show. Suitable for most types of riders and a real medal winner at children/ junior level. Great opportunity to purchase a real winner.”

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2. ‘Cracking’

Height: 15hh

Gender: mare

Age: nine

Selling points: “‘Diamond is a thoroughbred mare. She is forward going and enjoys jumping. She has won unaffiliated dressage and is good to shoe, clip etc.”

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3. ‘Stunning’

Height:

16.3hh

Gender: mare

Age: nine

Selling points: “NPS Flush has achieved double clears at BE80 and BE90, including a second at Sapey Horse Trials on a score of 25.7. She has represented her riding club, competing in individual dressage, showjumping (where she was recently third) and arena eventing too. She is good to hack, box and shoe.”

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4. ‘Potential star’

Height: 15.1hh

Gender: mare

Age: nine

Selling points: “‘Luna’ is a thoroughbred cross. She is a very sweet mare, with British Dressage points to novice level and is training at elementary level. She is good to hack alone and in company and is also good to load, shoe, clip etc.”

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5. ‘Fabulous’

Height: 15.3hh

Gender: mare

Age: six

Selling points: “This mare is by Gortfree Hero x Coolronan Wood. She has competed at BE100 and British Showjumping 1.10m level this season. She is totally straightforward yet with masses of scope. She is bold and genuine across country over any type of fence and gives an unbelievable feel. She has done five BE events, all with no cross-country jumping penalties. She was b ought as a safe hack/hunter/riding club horse for mother, (a job which she would still do with a smile on her face), but my daughter has discovered her potential as a competition horse. She would be a dream horse for an ambitious amateur to take out safely to competitions, and progress in any sphere. She is very easy to do in every way. She hacks beautifully alone, in company, and is good in traffic. She can be taken to competitions on your own – she ties up quietly to the lorry if you wish.”

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NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Temporary shortages of the equine medication Regumate should begin to ease as the manufacturer confirms the product is now available again.

Concerns had been raised on social media in recent weeks that the product had become unavailable to vets and online stockists. Regumate, which contains the synthetic progestin altrenogest, is a hormone medication broadly used in mares to suppress their oestrus cycle and associated hormone-related behaviour. The product is also sometimes used in breeding to control the cycles of mares.

The use of oral Regumate in competition mares, in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, is allowed under FEI rules. The FEI veterinary department recommends anyone using or planning to use the product on a mare should discuss this with their vet.

Last week the British Equine Veterinary Association chief executive David Mountford told H&H there was a global shortage of the active ingredient required in the manufacturing of Regumate, which led to a temporary shortage of the product.

Continued below…

11 supplements formulated to help hormonal mares

Mareish behaviour: In season, unsound or something else?

Is your mare suffering from a hormone imbalance or is there something else causing that unwanted behaviour? Charlotte Thomas MRCVS

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Today (1 July) a spokesman for MSD Animal Health told H&H Regumate came back into stock yesterday (30 June).

“We are allocating stock to customers to ensure everyone can access the product. We expect a second, larger delivery within the next three weeks,” said the spokesman.

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday, 1 July, we bring you our tack special including expert advice from saddle fitters, plus we take a look at the best saddles for your sport and budget. We investigate why a woman is yet to win a showjumping or eventing Olympic gold medal, plus don’t miss our interview with Derby winning jockey Adam Kirby more. We also have reports from eventing, showing, dressage and showjumping both from the UK and abroad.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Irish Olympic showjumper explains how he has got the best out of some of the tricky, yet extremely talented, mares he has ridden during his career so far in an exclusive interview on this week’s episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast...

Top Irish showjumper Billy Twomey has enjoyed success at the highest level with a number of mares during his career, including his London Olympics ride Tinka’s Serenade, who he describes in this week’s episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast as “probably the best horse I ever had”.

“The mares have been very successful for me. I seem to have a good rapport with them, especially maybe the trickier mares,” says Billy.

As well as giving Billy some of his most successful rides, including winning the Top 10 final in Paris 2011 and finishing 10th in the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, Tinka’s Serenade was the horse that started a long and successful business relationship between the Irish rider and British breeder Kim Barzilay.

“We started with Tinka’s Serenade some years ago now. She’d already been really successful with [Kim’s rider] Emma-Jo Slater and Kim wanted the horse to go to the next level. She asked would I be interested in riding the mare for her and taking her to some international shows. She ended up having a super career. She’s probably the best horse I ever had.”

Next came another chestnut mare, Lizziemary.

“Lizziemary was a very successful mare who went on to win the King George at Hickstead and was sold to Dani Goldstein, who has had a lot of success with her.”

And earlier in his career came Anastasia, who Billy describes as “a little difficult horse, but in the end she finished by being very, very successful”.

So what does Billy put his success with mares down to?

“I think patience is the right word for these mares. You’ve got to be patient with them – it doesn’t have to happen immediately. If you know you’ve got the goods underneath you, you know in time it will come your way, so give them the time to show you what they’ve got.

“Tinka’s Serenade was not the easiest mare in the world, but she had an unbelievable career and finished jumping at the age of 19, which is nearly unheard of, so she stayed healthy and competitive for such a long period.”

Continued below…

The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode six – Billy Twomey interview | Vet advice: infection testing | News round-up

Irish Olympic showjumper Billy Twomey offers advice on ways to get the best out of talented but tricky mares

‘She has been an unbelievable horse for me’: top Irish showjumper retired at 19

Billy Twomey has paid credit to his Olympic partner Tinka's Serenade

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Billy believes there is “quite a lot of truth” in the old adage that you can tell a gelding, but you have to ask a mare…

“[The key] is managing them in the correct way. All horses are different. Anastasia was ridiculously careful and she needed to build up confidence to get to a situation where she was sure she could jump the biggest classes so she took time to produce. Tinka’s Serenade was a bit special – she could be naughty at times so she needed encouragement in the right way, but when she got to a certain age the naughtiness disappeared and she just got on with her job.”

And Billy’s successful relationships with mares look set to continue as among his current string he has Anastasia’s daughter Pewit Nono, by his great stallion Luidam, who Billy has high hopes for in the future, and Lady Lou, who he was jumping in Florida over the winter.

“I like to think I can deal with the difficult mares and I can meet them half way and try to get the best out of them, but that’s what you try with every horse – stallion, gelding or mare,” says Billy.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Is your mare suffering from a hormone imbalance or is there something else causing that unwanted behaviour? Charlotte Thomas MRCVS investigates

Oestrus, or in-season behaviour, is easy to recognise in some mares. Signs can include frequent urination, squatting, everting the vulval lips to expose the clitoris (known as winking) and unpredictable behaviour that can be difficult to manage. Oestrus behaviour is a normal manifestation of the mare’s cycling breeding hormone levels throughout the year.

In non-domesticated herds, this behaviour is important to indicate to the stallion when the mare is receptive to covering and when she is at the point most likely to conceive within her cycle. Likewise, in a stud farm scenario, the mare’s responsiveness to a “teaser” (a stallion that is used to test if a mare is ready to be served) is used alongside ultrasound imaging to determine when is the best time to natural cover or artificially inseminate.

In equestrian situations not related to breeding, although this behaviour is not abnormal, it can be unwelcome. Problems can manifest in a subtle loss of performance to a mare that is unrideable when in season.

But are changes in behaviour related to a mare’s seasons? Before embarking on treatment to address unsavoury in-season behaviour, it must be ascertained if the mare’s reproductive system is actually the root of the problem. If the difficult attitude is shown all the way through the mare’s cycle during spring – as well as through the winter when most mares don’t cycle – it is unlikely that her reproductive hormones are the source of the problem. Lameness, back, teeth, gastric ulcers and training issues must be considered alongside hormonal causes.

A complex network of hormones

The signs of oestrus are caused by a complex network of hormones made in different organs of the mare’s body, including her ovaries. The main oestrus hormone is oestrogen and the main dioestrus (out of season) hormone is progesterone.

Most mares have a cycle of about 21 days. The mare will be in season for five or six of these days and then out of season for the remaining 15 or 16. At the end of the period of dioestrus, if a pregnancy has not been conceived, then hormone signals will be sent to expel the corpus luteum, which is the progesterone secreting structure in the ovary.

Oestrogen and progesterone are important in bringing about the physical changes in the body required for releasing an egg from the ovaries and supporting a pregnancy. They also promote or inhibit the action of different neurotransmitters in the brain, and therefore have a strong influence on behaviour.

Hormone changes

Some mares are more susceptible to hormone changes or show exaggerated signs of being in season. There can be an underlying cause, such as an ovarian tumour or urinary tract pain.

This means that a full veterinary examination, including an ultrasound and blood tests, is important. Once we have ruled out these problems we can look to diagnose a hormone imbalance.

Resting levels of the main oestrus hormones are likely to be the same in problem mares as they are in mares who do not show difficult oestrus behaviour. However, research has shown that when the adrenal glands are stimulated by a naturally occurring hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), levels of progesterone, cortisol and testosterone are affected to a different degree in problem mares compared to normal mares. This suggests that it is not just the ovaries involved in the mare’s hormonal balance, and that the underlying physiology of difficult mares is different and therefore the problem is not all in the mind.

Undesirable behaviour

It would seem logical that, in the case of a mare exhibiting undesirable behaviour associated with being in season, removal of the ovaries (ovariectomy) would solve the problem. However, the manifestation of oestrus signs is due to low progesterone levels rather than high oestrogen levels. Therefore, removing the ovaries would remove the source of progesterone and may lead to more frequent and long-lasting oestrus signs.

Studies have shown that around 35% of mares continue to show signs of oestrus after surgical removal of both ovaries, making it a poor course of action for most mares. An exception to this would be when the ovaries were affected by a hormone secreting tumour known as a granulosa cell tumour (GCT).

These tumours account for 2.5% of all equine tumours and can cause three distinct behavioural patterns depending on the hormones they secrete. They can cause anoestrus (a lack of hormonal cycles), which often goes unnoticed by the owner unless they are actively trying to breed from the mare. They can also cause masculinisation if the main hormone involved is testosterone, leading the mare to show dominant behaviour and even try to cover the other mares in the field. Lastly, they can cause persistent in-season signs that can be a headache for the humans involved in their care. GCTs are diagnosed by ultrasound and the measurement of the blood hormone levels.

A frequent owner complaint is that their mare seems to undergo a “mega-season” in the spring when her regular cycles are replaced by a long period of oestrus of several weeks. This can often be explained by the mare going through the transitional period. Mares are seasonal breeders and therefore their ovaries and reproductive tracts are usually quiescent or in anoestrus over the winter period.

In the transition period between winter and the first cycle of the year, there may be several waves of the hormones involved in ovulation before the first egg is finally released from the ovary. This can keep the mare in season for a long period but will likely settle down as the hours of daylight increase as the year goes on. As the season goes on, some follicles become anovulatory or get stuck at the point of ovulation and instead of bursting to release an egg, continue to produce oestrogen, leading to a long period of being in season.

 A softening follicle

It is known that some women get ovarian pain associated with ovulation and it may be the case that this is true for mares also. Any vet familiar with performing an ultrasound examination of the ovaries will have noticed that a softening follicle in the ovary will become more tender as the mare approaches ovulation.

Some mares have a persistent endometritis, which is an irritation of the uterus lining. This can be following a covering or spontaneous in older mares, often associated with poor vulval conformation, a tight cervix and decreased uterine defence mechanisms such as lymphatic drainage. This inflammation causes the release of prostaglandins from the uterus lining, leading to the mare coming back into season.

In conclusion, your mare’s vet can help investigate whether her difficult behaviour is linked to her seasons, and determine whether there are exaggerated oestrus signs or a physical problem such an ovarian tumour and therefore make a treatment plan.

The most common method

Treatment options include the removal of an ovary with a tumour, flushing the uterus if endometritis is present or the suppression of oestrus. The most common method to suppress oestrus is the use of synthetic oral progesterone, sold under the name of Regumate in the UK.

Another method gaining popularity is the use of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine, which prevents the mare coming into season. However, the vaccine must be imported from Australia through a special licence.

There is an off-licence vaccine available in the UK, but the disadvantages can include muscle soreness at the injection site and potentially permanent infertility. It is cheaper and more convenient than daily progesterone.

Some vets have used plant oils infused into the uterus as a treatment option, as early research suggested this method could be effective. Later studies failed to show the effectiveness of this treatment and showed the method could result in uterine inflammation.

An older technique is the placement of a large glass marble inside the mare’s uterus to mimic a pregnancy and stop the mare coming into season. The results of this technique are variable and the marble can occasionally degrade, causing endometritis and threatening future fertility.

A new type of intrauterine device, called a Upod, is being developed. It is made of shatterproof magnetic beads that self-assemble into a ring in the uterus. It can be inserted at any time during the mare’s cycle and doesn’t cause endometritis. The owner can check the device is still present by using a metal detector.

There are various nutraceutical supplements for mares that have an anecdotal calming effect for the mare who seems to be at the mercy of her own hormones. Some of these may contain substances prohibited for competition horses, so it’s a good idea to check the ingredients with the help of your vet. In any case, thorough consultation with your vet to determine the best course of action is advisable.

Ref Horse & Hound; 16 April 2020

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‘Chestnut Mare, beware,’ the saying goes. Ginger girlies are famous — or infamous — for being a bit feisty. And opinionated. And grumpy. And did we mention opinionated?

There are those who argue that this is nonsense, and that horses are just horses, whatever their colour. But do they actually own a chestnut mare? Those of us who do may have experienced some or all of the following…

1. ‘Good luck!’ said in a sort of heartfelt way when you mention to anyone that you’re the proud owner of a redhead.

2. The way you feel slightly exasperated but also slightly proud that chestnut mares have got this reputation for being difficult — because yours is the apple of your eye. Yeah, she is MAYBE a bit difficult, but you just have to know how to handle her…

3. …Which is a mixture of not letting her push you around, and letting her think stuff is her idea, so she’ll actually do it with enthusiasm. To get the best out of your chestnut mare, it helps if you have mind-reading skills, a Machiavellian ability to manipulate, and a grim determination to get your own way. ‘Cos that’s exactly what she has.

4. The thought has crossed your mind that your horse is actually cleverer than you are.

5. Secret pride that your girl is always Alpha Mare in any field she’s turned out in….

6. …Even though that does mean that when the mares all break through the fence in to the geldings’ field, or one of them comes in with a bite mark, she’ll be named as the ringleader and you’ll get the blame.

7. That annoyed sigh she does when you make her do anything she’s not in the mood for — which, on some days, is basically everything.

8. The angry squeal if a mare or gelding she deems inferior to her comes too close. Again, this covers the majority of equines.

9. The knowledge that she will always keep you safe. Not deliberately, mind you — she will always keep herself safe, as she’s nothing if not a canny lass, and if you’re on her back, that protection extends to you.

10. The inexplicable love affairs she has for certain horses, that means she will protect them against all things — birds, blades of grass, other horses, their owners. Even if they don’t want her to.

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11. Then she decides she doesn’t actually like them and ignores them forever. Chestnut mares can be really fickle.

12. …But really loyal too. It often takes time, but if you’ve won over a ginger girlie, you know that your bond is the best. She’s got your back.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

On International Women’s Day today (8 March 2018) women’s achievements throughout history are being celebrated across the globe. But we thought it was only fair that if we’re talking about girl power, superstar mares got some airtime too...

Eventing editor Pippa Roome’s pick: Bulana

“I’d have to say Nicola Wilson’s ride Bulana, owned by Jo and James Lambert, is my top mare at the moment. She was second in the CCI4* at Luhmühlen last year and then went on to win team gold and individual bronze at the European Championships. She has always been very enthusiastic about her work – in fact, to start with she was rather too enthusiastic… At her first CCI4* at Bramham, Nicola couldn’t stop across country and ended up repeatedly circling an early fence, telling the fence judge she was trying to retire but couldn’t pull up. Now that Nicola has learnt to channel her, Bulana is one of the very best in the business and an exciting prospect for Britain at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) and beyond.”

Showing editor Alex Robinson’s pick: Skaergaardens Delicious Love

“The young Connemara mare took the show scene by storm last year when she not only won the prestigious Picton novice mountain and moorland (M&M) championship at the National Pony Society championships in August, but completely belittled her five years by winning her breed class at Horse of the Year Show, and also taking the overall M&M title in the main arena with her owner Kelly Jones. This is an especially big achievement as in the native ranks mares and geldings have to compete against stallions who often dominate due to their increased presence and stallion qualities.”

Dressage editor Polly Bryan’s pick: Mount St John Freestyle

“Mount St John Freestyle is the mare hoped to put Charlotte Dujardin back on a championship team for WEG this year. The nine-year-old Fidermark daughter blew away the crowds at last year’s British Dressage nationals, posting plus-80% and becoming inter I supreme champion. This expressive, confident mare loves to work and adores showing off to an audience. She has demonstrated hugely impressive, grand prix ability, and her temperament is second-to-none — according to Carl Hester she is ‘Mrs Valegro’.”

Racing editor Hannah Lemeiux’s pick: Enable

“The superstar filly enjoyed an outstanding 2017, in which she dominated six of her seven starts. The daughter of Nathaniel was crowned Cartier Horse of the Year and the Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly. She is set to stay in training for 2018. The John Gosden-trained three-year-old, who is home-bred by her owner Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farm, won a remarkable five Group One races under Frankie Dettori — including the Investec Oaks at Epsom, the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”

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Showjumping editor Jennifer Donald’s pick: Ursula XII

“At 17, Scott Brash’s Ursula XII remains one of the best horses in the world. There’s no track too big nor too wide for this talented little (16hh) mare and she’s a demon against the clock, boasting several five-star grand prix triumphs on her extensive list of accomplishments. The Scottish-bred daughter of Ahorn, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, has always been a yard favourite, too: ‘She’s just such a lovely horse and you can do anything with her — no quirks whatsoever,’ says Scott.”

Do you have a favourite mare currently competing at the top level? Let us know below…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If your grumpy mare could speak or indeed write with her hooves, we all know her Christmas wish list would make your heart sink faster than your trailer in a muddy field. Forget ‘nightmare before Christmas’, if Santa listens to your horse, it’s going to be a ’mare all year around as Ploy Radford describes…

1. To be allowed within biting distance of that poncey thoroughbred three doors down

Because she’s fed up of seeing him get secretly fed extra carrots by all his doting fans and can’t wait to sink her teeth into his glossy behind.

2. A brand new expensive rug

So she can see your tears of frustration when you find out that she has somehow ripped the gorgeous new rug that cost you an arm and a leg within 24 hours. She’ll happily nip your remaining arm and leg though to say sorry.

3. For the vet to let his guard down

And be swiftly reminded with her hooves why needles are not welcome within a 100m radius of her gorgeous physique. Same goes for anyone trying to bring clippers within said same radius.

4. An equine photoshoot

Because she thinks it would be a loss to the world if the sight of her bucking you off were not immortalised in art.

5. A new saddle

Let’s face it, she’s eaten a lot of hay and stolen goodies all year and it would be selfish and cruel of you to not spend an eye-watering amount of money on a new saddle for her.

6. That awful Shetland to move yards

While every other pony and horse on the yard cowers in fear when your mare approaches, hilariously that tiny Shetland is the only thing you have witnessed chasing her around.

7. To return to the competition circuit

Because there’s nothing more fun than discovering new humans to kick out at, new hay nets and food stands to steal from and to find more creative ways to get you eliminated in front of a huge crowd. She has no idea why you’ve been so reluctant to take her out competing since that time you “let” her have a little paddle in the water jump.

8. Death to all bins

Those horrid black things are clearly allies of the Shetland and eat horses. All must be destroyed or she’s never willingly leaving the yard again.

Continued below…

11 confessions of a moody mare

If your mare could speak, her ‘confessions’ would probably go something like this…

9. Never to be put into fancy dress again

Looking adorable really damages her stable cred, don’t you know? And she’ll just sulk and refuse to move out of her loose-box to prevent being seen by anyone (especially that awful Shetland or the handsome thoroughbred), so just stop with the tinsel and reindeer antlers would you?

10. A kiss under the mistletoe

Because it’s the season for love and forgiveness, blah blah blah, so just smother her velvety nose with kisses, which she secretly actually really enjoys. She promises she won’t sneeze all over you and step on your foot when you do it this time.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Opinion

With the season drawing to a close, it’s useful to take a step back and reflect on the past few months.

I’ve been encouraged to see an increase in the number of mares qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the mountain and moorland sections this year. It’s a huge bonus for breeders if a mare has a successful career under saddle, as it shows she can perform and enhances her CV for when she goes to stud in later life.

While some people are reluctant to consider a mare for ridden classes because they can sometimes be deemed as “unpredictable”, I’ve found often that, if you work with a mare the right way, they can be extremely rewarding. There’s also a belief that stallions automatically have more presence, but I think presence is down to the individual animal, rather than being related to gender.

It’s said that you should tell a gelding, ask a mare and discuss it with a stallion. In my experience, a stallion or gelding will be more amenable than a mare. To a certain extent, a stallion will accept you saying, “we’ll do this my way”, whereas mares have their own opinions and you have to read their reactions more carefully.

Low Olympia entries

It’s interesting to compare the numbers forward in Olympia’s direct qualifiers — where section winners go forward to a championship and only the champion pony goes through to Olympia —with HOYS qualifiers. There seems to be a big swing in favour of HOYS; it’s not uncommon to have five ponies forward in one of the 10 Olympia direct classes, whereas HOYS classes frequently have more than 40 entries.

The only exception seems to be Royal Windsor, but I assume everyone wants to ride there, regardless of the ticket on offer. So, what else could be stopping people from entering? Olympia is a fabulous show; the fundamentals of the qualifiers are well thought-out and organised, and the quality of the finalists is never in doubt. Could it be because only one pony goes forward?

Or is it the expense? Entry fees are on a par with those for HOYS and include stables, but other costs are much higher. If you have a 7.5-tonne lorry that doesn’t meet London Emission Zone standards, you have to pay an extra £200 a day. You can’t sleep in your horsebox, so that means you face London hotel costs.

Could it simply be that Olympia is held in the run-up to Christmas and competitors have run out of money? Answers on a postcard, please.

I’ve also noticed that all the direct qualifiers have been taken by large breeds. It seems unlikely that the quality of the large breeds overall is better than that of the small breeds, so is it just coincidence?

Like many people, I’ve got to that point in the season where I’m looking forward to winding down after HOYS. I’d like to wish everyone competing the best of luck.

Ref Horse & Hound; 28 September 2017

Moody, tricky, stubborn — mares have to put up with a lot of bad press. But before we start feeling too sorry for them, Andrea Oakes meets the mares living up to their stereotype wholeheartedly

‘She just says NOPE!’

“I’ve owned my eventing mare for six years now. Normally she’s a complete cross-country machine, but when she’s feeling extra-mareish she sometimes just says ‘NOPE!’ In our last event of 2016 she refused the ditch part of a combination and then got in such a tizzy that she refused another couple jumps. This resulted in us getting eliminated for the first time ever. Embarrassing!” Mirelle Radley

‘Honey won’t take any rubbish’

“My 18-year-old mare, Honey, is an angel with people but won’t take any rubbish from any horse in her field. Her fieldmate Chloe started this by raising a leg, but Honey proceeded to handstand about six times in a row.”

Bianca Tella

‘The epitome of the comedian mareish mare’

“While everyone else had lovely show day photos of their horses at the Appaloosa Nationals, my mare Lavender decided to get down and roll on the rubber and sand surface. Lavender, also known as ‘Cowbag’ and ‘Spotbag’ by everyone who has met her, is the epitome of the comedian mareish mare – a tart to end all tarts and happy to get her own way, by hook or by crook. You can tell I love her to bits…” Jude Robinson

‘She would totally explode’

“My little palomino, Hope, is now backed, ridden away and going really well, but she would totally explode every time she had a roller on. She has actually turned out to be a very quiet ride, surprisingly.” Abby Barker

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‘She makes life a little more interesting’

“Misty, my very own moody mare, has the attitude of Attila the Hun with the disposition of a coiled cobra. Loving and sweet, if you like chewing lightbulbs, but she sure makes life a little more interesting…” Bettina Snowdon

‘I just laugh at her general sassiness’

“When Indie is feeling aggrieved, she kicks over her water, picks up the bucket and throws it over the door. She then picks up the tyre it sits in and throws that against the wall. I’ve learned that if you argue with her she’s only going to be the winner, so now I just laugh at her general sassiness. She once bit my iPhone from my hand as I was talking on it, but I wouldn’t trade her for the world.” Vanessa Murnaghan

Don’t miss our mares special issue, out today (2 February 2017), where we look at ways to help manage your mares and whether you have the right temperament to ride one

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With our bumper mares issue hitting the shelves tomorrow (2 February 2017), we thought it was the perfect excuse to give the girls some airtime. Here are 15 (tongue-in-cheek) reasons why you could argue mares are better than geldings

1. Call it evolution, but mares appear to have a greater sense of self-preservation. They are marginally less inclined to reverse into a ditch in blind panic, for example. This means that even if they bolt away from that tractor, as long as you can stay on board — avoiding any low branches in the process — you should be all right

2. For similar reasons, they may be less likely to touch a pole showjumping, and would rather stop across country than sail over a fence they won’t make the distance on and risk rotating on landing. Bonus

3. On the same basis, a mare will also — fingers crossed — move out of the way of assailants in the field, rather than attempting to befriend them or wind them up with well-meant, affectionate, gelding-like pestering. And we’re all for anything that limits vet bills

4. Training a mare teaches you that, in the first instance, you’re far better off asking nicely for things than assuming you’ll get what you demand — a useful lesson to learn and apply to all areas of life

5. Training a mare will also improve your negotiation skills 10-fold, opening up a whole new world of career options, from mediator to United Nations peace envoy

6. We’re not necessarily saying she’ll never roll in the bog, or that all droppings will be neatly piled up in one corner of the stable, but it has been known with mares, and anyway they’re likely to prefer maintaining a degree of cleanliness

7. To point out the obvious, you can’t breed a foal from your beloved gelding

8. You can put a mare in pink bandages and bling browbands without constantly having to correct people as to her gender

9. Mares are often sharper and smarter than geldings. As is so often the case with a female of the species. (Yes, this office is 80% female. No, of course we’re not bias)

10. Unlike geldings, mares are unlikely to lick and slobber on you when you arrive at the yard. (Admittedly, this may be because they’re too busy pinning their ears back)

11. Mares don’t pull the toggle on your waterproof jacket and ping it back at you for entertainment value, either. They have a clear sense of personal space — and would politely request that you remember this

12. We’ve heard it said that only mares can go vertical both ways. Now that’s what we call balance and athleticism

13. Geldings are generally up for a cuddle. Mares make you work harder for any affection. It’s rather like having a cat as opposed to a dog. Geldings are every man’s best friends, whereas mares are selective and that makes their owners feel special

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

15 signs you’re totally addicted to horses (and wouldn’t have it any other way)

11 confessions of a moody mare

14. If we received a pound on every occasion we’ve heard a rider say: “If you get a good mare, they really, really try for you”, then we’d double our salaries

15. Mares do a commendable job of keeping all the geldings on the yard in check. If you left a gelding in charge, chaos would ensue

Don’t miss our mares special, out on 2 February, where we look at the ways to help manage your mare, and whether you have the right temperament to ride one

What would you add to our list? Let us know below…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Chestnut mares can get some bad press — accusations that their fiery colour produces a similar temperament — but there have been plenty of redhead winners across the disciplines. Which is your favourite?

Don’t miss our full feature in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (22 September 2016), which looks at the science behind the chestnut mare stereotype

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’ve got a mare, you may suspect that she spends at least some of her time plotting evil. And you’d be right. If she could speak, her ‘confessions’ would probably go something like this…

1. Mucking out

“I’m in a generous mood and I know how much you hate mucking out, so I’ve saved you the trouble by hiding all my poo in the shavings banks. There’s loads of it in there. You’re welcome.”

2. Spatial awareness

“Yes, I did stand on your foot. No, I’m not sorry. I meant it.”

3. Face-off

“I’m going to rub my face vigorously on your arm. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a gesture of affection. I’ve got a horsefly on my cheek and I’m hoping it decides to bite you instead.”

4. Feeling soppy

“I’m in season, and feeling unusually affectionate, so you may cuddle me. But if you accidentally touch any of my sensitive bits in the process, I will kick you. Consider yourself warned.”

5. The perfect revenge

“It was me that bit that gelding in the field next to mine. I know everybody thought it couldn’t be me, because the electric fencing was on, but it was. I just picked my moment carefully. That gelding was really annoying me, by breathing and moving about. He totally deserved it.”

6. Fashion policing

“It was also me that tore my field-mate’s rug. I don’t want to be a bitch, but she looks awful in turquoise blue. It’s just not her colour. I was doing her a favour by trying to get it off her. Any true friend would have done the same so don’t judge me.”

7. Setting standards

“If you don’t ride like Charlotte Dujardin in this lesson, I’m going to buck you off. Just saying.”

8. Staying safe

“Don’t try telling me that’s a ‘fence’. It’s a couple of horse-eating monsters lightly snacking on a pole – clearly the taster for the main course of a moody mare kebab. If you insist on making me go near it again, I’ll dump you so you can kill it for me, then we’ll continue with this jumping malarkey. OK?”

9. House proud

“I’ve pooed in my water bucket. And in my window grille – and have you any idea how high I had to reach my bum in order to do that? Once again, I’ve worked hard to keep my stable clean for you. I hope you’re suitably grateful.”

Continued below…

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8 ways to enjoy the sunshine with your horse

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10. Hair care tips

“You know how you carefully plaited me up for that show? Well, I rubbed half my tail off in the trailer. You really should buy one of those tail guard things, you know. You have only yourself to blame.”

11. Keeping things interesting

“You know how I hate my field mates, the gelding next to me, and most of the time, you? Well, if you put me in that field on my own, I’m going to gallop round neighing so wildly and loudly that you’ll think I’m having a panic attack. I know, there’s no logic to it. Keeps you on your toes though, doesn’t it?”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Mammary tumours are exceedingly rare in the horse, occurring much less frequently than in other mammalian species such as humans and dogs.

The factors that protect horses from such tumours are not yet understood, but are of considerable interest. If such factors could be identified, they may provide insight to help reduce the incidence of breast cancer in other species.

When mammary tumours do occur in equines, they are generally invasive and spread to other organs. Tumours can be present alongside mastitis, so further investigation should be undertaken if a horse with mastitis does not respond as expected to medical therapy.

Ultrasound can be useful to evaluate the structure of the affected gland and also to guide biopsy sample collection. Biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the type of tumour that is present.

In human breast cancer patients, the presence of oestrogen receptors (a group of proteins found inside and on the cells) in biopsied tissue is used as a prognostic marker — a biological characteristic that can be measured and evaluated to predict the course of the disease.

These receptors have also been identified in the biopsied tissue from some equine mammary tumours. This suggests that hormones may play a role in the cause of mammary tumours in the horse, as in other species.

Radical surgery may be performed to remove such tumours but the prognosis in these cases is frequently poor.

Managing mastitis

A more common mammary condition is mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland. This usually — but not always — occurs in lactating mares or following weaning of the foal.

Typically, the mare’s udder is enlarged and can be warm and painful to touch. Abnormal mammary secretions are usually present and milk may be lumpy or blood-tinged. An irregular gait may be the first abnormality noted, sometimes with oedema (swelling) in front of the mammary gland. In severe cases the mare may also be dull and off her feed.

Treatment of mastitis involves stripping out the affected quarter of the udder to remove all milk. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also helpful in more severely affected cases. Abscesses can occasionally form within the mammary gland, which may require more lengthy antimicrobial treatment or surgical drainage.

The prognosis is generally good for a horse with mastitis, although future milk production may sometimes be reduced.

Inappropriate lactation may be observed in both pregnant and non-pregnant mares. Premature lactation in the pregnant mare may be a sign of fetal distress or indicate other complications associated with pregnancy, such as placentitis, and should be investigated immediately.

Lactation in mares that are not in foal usually coincides with the mare coming in to oestrous (season). This is more commonly seen in overweight mares and sports horses. Treatment is not usually required in these cases and milk should not be stripped out as this will encourage further milk production.

Conditions affecting the mammary glands are much less common in horses than in other species, but they do still occur.

Any change in size or shape of the glands should therefore prompt veterinary evaluation.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 4 February 2016

Nominations are now open for the Horse & Hound outstanding mare award, the winner of which will be announced at the annual British breeders’ awards dinner in London’s Grange City Hotel on 16 January.

If you know a mare who has excelled in sport and/or breeding, we want to hear about her.

Previous winners of this prestigious prize include the Suffolk Punch Whitton Daisy (pictured, top) and the grand prix dressage horse Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of Woodlander Farouche.

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic prize yet again,” said H&H’s sport horse breeding editor Alice Collins.

“It’s a chance for us to show our appreciation of and recognition of these prized breeding mares and the invaluable role that quality dam-lines play in creating the next generation of talent or top examples of quality or endangered breeds.”

Nominations close on Friday 4 December 2015 and should be downloaded from www.tinyurl.com/hhMareAward, completed and sent to rebecca.rawson@wallacepr.co.uk

There are no restriction on the type or breed of the mares put forward.

Nominations are also invited for the SEIB Meritoire award for services to breeding. Last year, this award was awarded to the rider and breeder Richard Meade, who died the day before the ceremony.

The 2015 winners’ trophy was awarded to Whitton Daisy’s breeders, Tom and Sandy Walne for their prodigious Suffolk Punch Whitton Daisy.

“I just can’t believe that out of all the mares up for the award Daisy was chosen. I was quite expecting a polite letter saying she wasn’t what fitted the criteria for the award. I still haven’t come down to earth yet,” said Sandy. “This means so much to us — we put everything in to this and are delighted to be recognised like this.”

Whitton Daisy has produced six foals to date (four fillies and two colts), all of whom have had significant success on the county show circuit. Daisy stood best mare and foal at the Suffolk Show with her 2010 colt Whitton Teazel.

The winner in 2014 was Lynne Crowden, who picked up the accolade on behalf of her mare Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of the double world young horse champion, Farouche

To put a candidate forward in either category — and for full information about the awards dinner, visit www.tinyurl.com/hhMareAward

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Laura Kraut’s top showjumping mare Nouvelle (pictured below) was on good form on the international circuit last September when problems set in.

“She’s always been a little flighty and inconsistent, but she jumped brilliantly in Los Angeles,” says Laura, who has owned Nouvelle for four years, since the KWPN mare was seven.

“After a short break we took her to compete in Stuttgart, where she broke out in such a sweat that she was covered in white lather within minutes. She didn’t jump well, but when the vet examined her and could find nothing wrong we thought perhaps she had been upset by the atmosphere at the show.

“Two weeks later we went to Paris. The moment I got on her she started to sweat and after jumping one small round I knew something was wrong.”

Nouvelle returned to the US, where scans revealed she was suffering from ovarian cysts. She underwent surgery in January to have both ovaries removed.

“One ovary was misshapen and not at all healthy,” says Laura, who brought Nouvelle back to fitness in spring and scored a big win with the mare at Windsor in June.

“It has taken a bit of time for her to regain confidence, as she was anticipating pain, but she’s now so much more relaxed and has none of the nervousness and tension that has been present throughout her career.

“I think the cysts had been bothering her for a long time. You can see in her eyes that she’s happier.”

A common problem

Nouvelle’s condition is rare, but highlights the fact that ovary problems can produce a range of physical and behavioural issues.

Emma Houghton MRCVS explains that enlarged ovaries are seen frequently within equine practice, for a number of reasons.

“Enlargement may be due to tumours, or very occasionally ovarian cysts. More commonly they are found as a result of a problem with the release of an egg from the ovary. They may also be a normal finding during pregnancy,” she says.

According to Emma, the most common ovarian tumour is the granulosa cell tumour, or GCT (pictured below).

“GCTs account for 2.5% of all tumours seen in horses,” she explains. “They are slow growing, benign and usually unilateral — that is, affecting just one ovary. They can occur at all ages, although the average age is 10.

“These tumours cause an increase in various hormone levels. The resulting hormonal imbalance can profoundly affect the mare’s reproductive behaviour and personality.”

Signs that a GCT may be present include:

• Persistent, irregular or absent oestrus (the mare’s season).

• Aggressive, stallion-like behaviour. Affected mares may strike out or attempt to mount other mares in the field, and in long-term cases may develop excessive muscle and a cresty neck.

• Occasionally colic, if the tumour is especially large and causes tension on the ligaments attaching the ovary to the abdominal wall.

• Low-grade lameness in the performance horse, or other vague signs of discomfort such as irritability when being ridden.

Reaching a diagnosis

“Granulosa cell tumours can be identified by an ultrasound scan during a rectal examination,” says Emma. “They typically appear as an enlarged, multi-cystic, honeycomb-like structure and can reach up to 40cm in diameter. The other ovary is often small and inactive.”

Emma points out that there is significant variation in the appearance of granulosa cell tumours, so vets will usually recommend a blood test to differentiate the tumour from other possible diagnoses.

“The blood test is now very accurate,” she says. “We usually request the measurement of a panel of hormones within the blood, comprising the anti-müllerian hormone along with inhibin, testosterone and progesterone.

“Other ovarian tumours include cystadenomas and teratomas, although these are not normally hormonally active and therefore behaviour is not usually affected.”

Treatment involves surgical removal of the affected ovary, a procedure associated with a good prognosis.

“Surgical removal is recommended, especially in mares that are showing abnormal behavioural signs,” says Emma. “The procedure can normally be performed by flank laparoscopy [minimally invasive keyhole surgery], under standing sedation, allowing for a quick recovery time.

“Mares typically return to their normal cycling hormone patterns between six and 12 months after surgery,” adds Emma. “They can be bred from the following year, and studies show that 77% of mares can continue to produce live foals.”

Could they be cysts?

Less common ovarian abnormalities include the ovarian cysts that Nouvelle developed.

“These cysts arise from the developmental tissue of the ovary or surrounding structures,” says Emma. “They may be identified as a solitary cyst or as a cluster of multiple small cysts around or within the ovary.

“Cysts can be diagnosed by palpation of the ovary via the rectum, and are often described as a freely movable structure a short distance from the ovary. They do not typically have a detrimental effect on fertility, but larger cysts may interfere with early pregnancy transport into the uterus.

“The larger cysts may also cause signs of colic or low-grade lameness, as they can place pressure on the ligaments that suspend the ovary in the abdominal cavity.”

However, ovarian enlargement is not always related to or caused by disease, and may be discovered during routine ultrasonography of the reproductive tract.

“Persistent anovulatory follicles can occur when a mare fails to ovulate during her cycle,” says Emma, explaining that an ovulation abnormality can result in an egg remaining trapped in the follicular cavity. “Ovarian haematomas are another common reason for enlargement, developing from an ovulation where the collapsed follicle fills with blood.

“Pregnancy also causes bilateral [affecting both ovaries] enlargement due to the normal waves of follicular growth that occur during gestation.”

Although there may be no obvious outward signs, ovarian problems could be the cause of behaviour changes or loss of performance.

“Writing a diary for your mare to identify behavioural patterns can help your vet identify if something is wrong,” adds Emma.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 16 July 2015

Women the world over have been seduced by deep, dulcet tones of wannabe Romeos across the years — and it would seem that it’s a weakness not limited to humans.

In a study published in the Public Library of Science One last month, Scientists at the University of Rennes in France recorded the calls of stallions and discovered that different tones provoked different reactions in mares.

The study “contributes to basic and applied ongoing research on mammal reproduction, and questions the mechanisms used by females to detect males’ fertility”.

The whinnies were recorded and played back through speakers.

Mares appeared more drawn to deeper whinnies, and the males with those deeper “voices” were reportedly large, calm and had higher fertility than their light-voiced counterparts.

The whinnies and heartbeat of 15 stallions were recorded and blood and semen samples were taken at Haras du Pin in France.

The noises were then played to 40 mares, aged between seven and 27. Mares were found to display behaviour typical to mating — tail swishing — when the calls of the deeper voiced stallions were played.

Females also based their approach to unfamiliar males on the amount of vocal signals uttered during their first encounter.

And larger mares were found to be more aroused by the voices of larger stallions.

“Our study highlights the importance of vocal communication in a species better known as a visual communicant,” concludes the report.

“Our data also confirms that not all male voices are equally attractive. Based on this we can say that mares prefer the voices of taller stallions with lower heart beat rates and higher fertility.”

In other words, the former top event sire Jumbo and Jazz are the equine equivalents of Barry White.

Ref: H&H 26 March, 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The breeders of a rare Suffolk Punch have won the 2015 Horse & Hound outstanding mare award.

At the British breeders’ awards dinner held at the City Grange Hotel in London on Saturday, 10 January, the breeders of Whitton Daisy were presented with the prestigious H&H outstanding mare award.

Recipients Tom and Sandy Walne (pictured below, with H&H’s Sarah Jenkins and Alice Collins) were surprised to receive the award, having been up against a raft of successful mares from the Olympic disciplines.

“I just can’t believe that out of all the mares up for the award Daisy was chosen. I was quite expecting a polite letter saying she wasn’t what fitted the criteria for the award. I still haven’t come down to earth yet,” said Sandy, who received enthusiastic applause when picking up the trophy.

“This means so much to us — we put everything in to this and are delighted to be recognised like this.”

Whitton Daisy has produced six foals to date (four fillies and two colts), all of whom have had significant success on the county show circuit. Daisy stood best mare and foal at the Suffolk Show with her 2010 colt Whitton Teazel.

The Walnes were overwhelmed by the positive feedback and support they garnered following the award.

“It was incredible how happy people were for us,” added Sandy. “And for her to be a rare breed and on the critical list; the award is the icing on the cake.”

Tom and Sandy were gifted Whitton Daisy’s mother Gurty after her former owners failed to get her in foal. With the help of the Suffolk Horse Trust — The Colony Stud at Hollesley Bay — the Walnes managed to get her in foal and produce Whitton Daisy.

The runner-up was Graham Worrell’s late mare Purdy, the dam of the successful para horse Purdy’s Dream (pictured with Emma Sheardown) and the grand-dam of the showjumping stallion Argento (John Whitaker).

The winner in 2014 was Lynne Crowden, who picked up the accolade on behalf of her mare Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of the double world young horse champion, Farouche.

New beginnings for British breeders

This year, there was also excitement surrounding the recently formed British Breeders’ Network.

The guest speaker, Woodlander Stud’s Lynne Crowden, impressed upon the audience that the formation of the network offers breeders an opportunity to address concerns over the industry in the UK and make it better and more inclusive. The network aims to improve British breeding’s profile both at home and abroad, educate breeders and drive sales of British-bred horses.

Anyone wishing to register their interest is asked to email info@britishbreedersnetwork.org

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Most mares’ ovaries go into a quiet state, or “anoestrus”, in the autumn and do not become active again until the spring, when they resume the 21-day cycle of follicle ovulation and fertility.

In Flat racing, an early foal has great advantages. For a January birth many studs keep the stable lights on for part of the night in midwinter to mimic the arrival of spring, but this is costly.

Vets in Ireland and Kentucky wondered if the same effect could be achieved with individual lights for each mare. They took the left eye cup out of a specially designed hood and cut a hole in the right cup, lining the remainder with silver foil. They then attached a small blue LED light to the inside programmed to shine gently into the right eye for fixed periods.

A group of mares in Kentucky were kept at pasture during the day in winter, but brought in at night. Their daylight hours were extended from 1 December with overhead lights in the stables, from 4.30pm to 11pm.

A second group lived out all the time, but on 1 December wore the hoods and received low-level blue light from the LED into the right eye from 4.30pm to 11pm. A third group lived out all the time through winter and received no artificial light exposure.

Ovarian activity was monitored and, as expected, the latter group of mares remained in anoestrus throughout January. The mares given extra daylight in their stables started cycling early and were in full swing in mid-January.

The mares living outdoors with the battery-operated light-emitting hoods also came into season early.

This method of extending daylight was just as successful as the stable light method — and far cheaper.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (18 September 2014)

Read all our latest breeding advice

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Peter Green MRCVS examines some fascinating new research on the science of size

Vet students are taught that it is the size of the dam rather than the sire that affects foal size.

Classic 20th century experiments revealed that a shire stallion crossed with a Shetland mare produced much smaller offspring than the opposite mating.

But does this follow with all breeds and in less extreme crosses, or where embryo transfer is used? Is the effect just a function of the larger uterus of the larger mare, and does increased size last through life?

French vets bred 21 pony foals, measuring foal size and growth rates from birth to weaning at 6 months. They did the same with 28 pure-bred saddlebred foals.

They then transferred purebred pony embryos into 6 recipient draught mares, purebred saddlebred embryos into a further 8 draught mares and pure-bred saddlebred embryos into 6 pony mares. The resulting foals were measured carefully as they developed.

The results were fascinating. The pure-bred saddlebred foals transferred into large draught mares were no bigger at birth than those carried by saddlebred dams, but grew much faster up to weaning. After weaning, the youngsters carried by their biological mothers caught up.

In contrast, pony embryos transferred into draught mares were more than 50% heavier at birth than those carried by their biological mothers. They were still much bigger and stronger at 18 months of age.

The saddlebred embryos transferred into small pony mares resulted in foals that were much smaller and lighter at birth. After weaning, they caught up with siblings carried by their biological mothers.

It seems that an embryo from an average-sized horse put into a pony will suffer disadvantages up to weaning, but can then catch up with naturally bred horses of the same breed. But a similar embryo transferred into a big draught mare will gain a lifelong size advantage.

Strong, dominant and potentially hormonal, mares can be, forgive the pun, a nightmare. However some of their other qualities — inquisitiveness, loyalty, competitiveness — can give them the edge that makes them a winner

If you ride a mare, here are nine tips, gathered from top mare owners, that may give you something to think about.

1. Be flexible in your approach to management and training. Eventer Jo Aston suggests that you try to make your mare believe it’s all her idea.

2. Be prepared to alter your riding style to suit her individuality. Showjumper Ben Maher found that if he stayed more forward in his upper body than he normally would it better suited Cella.

3. Does you mare thrive on individual attention? Showjumper Helen Tredwell, successful with mares such as Opportunity B and Naomi V, believes that in some cases this is the answer. Be prepared to spend more time with your mare or consider a smaller yard.

4. When training your mare, make use of her feminine instincts. Victoria Panizzon’s Borough Pennyz, who finished 7th at Badminton and 8th at the Europeans last year, didn’t want to get her feet wet until a handsome gelding led the way. And Michael Eilberg confesses to using a bit of charm to sweeten the ground rules with his dressage mares.

5. Learn to recognise when your mare is having a bad day. H&H’s dressage editor Alice Collins who competes at elementary on her 7-year-old mare Faconnable, suggest you might need to ask a question slightly differently.

6. What sort of mood are you in? Does your mare respond to your mood? Victoria Panizzon recognizes that she needs to be in a positive frame of mind if she wants Borough Pennyz to co-operate.

7. If your mare is prone to tying up, Jo Aston recommends making sure she is fed a diet high in fibre and oil and that you spend plenty of time warming up and cooling down.

8. Is your mare more reactive to your aids during her season? Consider using lighter aids when she is feeling more sensitive, suggests Alice Collins.

9. Alice Collins uses massage to help relax tight muscles behind the saddle when her horse Faconnable is in season. Magnetic rugs can help too.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In conjunction with today’s Horse & Hound magazine (20 February edition), which has 12 pages dedicated to the rise of mares as successful competiton horses at the highest level, we have selected 22 top performing mares of the moment to celebrate in pictures.

If you enjoyed this gallery, why not browse our other picture collections?

Nick Skelton: his career in pictures

To mark Nick Skelton joining the H&H team as guest editor, we look back through the H&H picture archives at some highlights of his career.

Farewell to Headley Britannia: H&H celebrates her life in pictures

After the sad news that Headley Britannia has been put down after a cross-country schooling accident, H&H looks back at highlights of this special mare’s career from our picture archives.

Carl Hester in pictures: from the archives

To celebrate Carl Hester joining the Horse & Hound team as our guest editor of the magazine, we took a look back through the H&H picture archives at interesting moments throughout his career.

Entries close for Badminton Horse Trials 2014: past winners in pictures

H&H has looked back through our picture archives to celebrate some of Badminton’s most prolific winners.

Big Buck’s retires: H&H celebrates his career in pictures

The record-breaking staying hurdler, who has won the World Hurdle a record 4-times, was retired after this year’s race in which he finished 5th.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup: celebrating past winners in pictures

H&H looks back at some popular past winners, including Desert Orchid, Kauto Star, Denman, Golden Miller, Best Mate and Arkle.

The Champion Chase: H&H’s favourite past winners in pictures

H&H looks back over some of the past stars — including Master Minded, One Man and Crisp.

Hurricane Fly bids for a 3rd Champion Hurdle: past winners in pictures

Take a look back at some of past winners of the famous race in pictures.

Billy Twomey at home: in pictures

Following his leading showjumper win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October, we visited Billy Twomey at his Nottinghamshire home to see how a normal day pans out for the popular Irish rider. Here are some of the behind-the-scenes pictures that we took on the day.

Celebrating 22 top mares: in pictures

We have selected 22 top performing mares of the moment to celebrate in pictures.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The 2013 Baileys Horse Feeds/British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity kicked off on Tuesday 16 July at Writtle College in Essex.

There was only one elite premium (given to horses who score 9 or more out of 10) while 11 young horses earned higher first premiums (scoring 8.5-8.99).

Top score of the day (9.00) went to the yearling eventing filly, Grafennacht (pictured). This elegant youngster is by the Trakehner stallion Grafenstolz (Polarion/Camelot), out of Narew-sired mare, Nachtigall. She is owned by her Kent-based breeder, Sue Eggleton.

“Nachtigall was the top horse in the BE [British Eventing] Foundation points rankings in 2011, which was her first season eventing,” said Sue. “Grafennacht is the first foal I’ve bred, I am keen to breed from her as a two-year-old and then start competing her when she is ready. To receive feedback about the filly I’ve bred is invaluable.”

The series aims to help breeders make informed breeding decisions and to identify potential superstars in the disciplines of dressage, showjumping, eventing and endurance and is open to eligible British-bred horses and ponies.

There were complaints from some quarters as the panel of three evaluators was reduced to just one, Sheri Tozer Robb, after her fellow judges pulled out at the 11th hour.

“It was unfortunate that, as a result of personal circumstances, two of the three scheduled evaluators needed to withdraw, one at very short notice,” said said Jan Rogers, head of equine development at the BEF. “Everything possible was done to get another member of the evaluator team to attend, but all had immovable commitments. The organisers considered all the options carefully before deciding to continue and the day ran very successfully with experienced evaluator, Sheri Tozer Robb. However, we will consider the feedback we have received from participants as to how such situations could be handled in the future.”

Of the dressage horses presented, the highest scorer was the Hanoverian foal, Frappuccine Gold. This bay filly bred by Erik Belloy scored a higher first premium of 8.96. She is by Katy Holder-Vale’s stallion Flammengold (Florestan/Paradesmarch), out of Trakhener mare Freya, by the elite Trakehner Friedensfuerst.

There were only five entries forward as potential showjumpers. Heading these was the Lauriston/Jumbo foal, Jamakin Faerie Folklaur, with a Higher First premium of 8.73.

There was an increase in the Endurance entries at Writtle this year. The top scorer in this section was Lois Duncan’s three-year-old, Wraphael. Bred by Jane Van Lennep, the chestnut gelding attained a first premium of 8.07. He is by Wrzos, out of Aurelian mare, Aurelian.

Christine Bjerkan’s sports pony foal, BS Mr President headed the pony entries. This colt received a higher first premium of 8.88 in the dressage section. He is by FS Mr Right, out of Peggy, by Donatelli.

Over 900 horses will be evaluated at the 16 assessment days this year. The next fixture is Plumpton College in Sussex on 18 July. Horse & Hound will publish online reports from each.

For further information on the Futurity Evaluations, and to see full results, visit www.britishbreeding.org

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Competition mares in work may have more trouble conceiving than those which receive little or no regular exercise, according to a new study.

Researchers at Clemson University and the University of Florida in America looked at the effect of exercise on embryo transfer and a mare’s reproductive health by measuring the hormone cortisol — known to suppress the reproductive cycle — in the blood, and embryo number and quality.

Researchers divided the mares into groups doing no exercise, partial exercise and full exercise.

The mares in the partial-exercise group undertook 30min activity a day in a horse-walker in the lead-up to ovulation and were rested for seven days after an egg was released.

The full-exercise mares undertook 30min of the same work a day throughout their entire reproductive cycle.

The mares being exercised had higher cortisol concentrations in their blood, suggesting a reduced reproductive capability.

There was also evidence that embryo recovery rates were reduced in exercised horses, but there was no significant difference between the partial and full-exercise groups.

Mares undergoing partial exercise had the lowest embryo quality score.

Christopher Mortenson, co-author of the study, said: “This led us to conclude that exercise was just as detrimental, if not more so, in the time period just prior to and during fertilisation.”

But breeding expert Dr Jonathan Pycock cautioned: “The study raises some interesting points, but in practice there are a lot of variables to consider.

“In my experience most sport horses benefit from being in regular exercise prior to breeding.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (4 January 2013)

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Police are warning horse owners in Lincolnshire to be vigilant after a heavily-pregnant mare was attacked in her field – resulting in her death and that of her foal.

The mare, a 19-year-old thoroughbred cross, was discovered by her owner, Graham Worrell at 6am last Friday morning (4 May).

Mr Worrell, 67, of Gate Burton, near Gainsborough, told H&H that at first he thought the mare, called Persian Dream, had started to foal.

“She was lying down, away from the other mares, with a lot of blood around her back end,” said Mr Worrell.

“But when the vet checked the mare, he said she had been attacked. She had been cut inside, mutilated.“

It is believed that the foal died during the attack. “Persian” was taken in to the vet’s but her foal was stillborn the following day and she died soon after.

“I can’t explain how I feel,” said Mr Worrell.

“I bred her myself. It was wicked. So sick and unnecessary. I cannot get over it,” he added.

Mr Worrell, along with his son Rupert, breeds show horses, showjumpers and hunters. They bred Purdy’s Dream, owned by Paralympic hopeful, Emma Sheardown.

Persian, who was in foal to an Irish draught, bred a striking coloured foal by John Whitaker’s coloured stallion, Zilando, last year.

Rupert Worrall told H&H that he is offering a reward of £1,000 to anyone with information.

“I am hoping that in the current financial climate, it will encourage someone to come forward,” he told H&H.

Lincolnshire Police said the attack was a “terrible crime” that had been “devastating” to the owners.

A spokesman said they would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area.

Please contact Lincolnshire Police by dialing 101 and quote incident number 242 of 5 May 2012

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The mild winter is playing havoc with horse management, with reports of mares being in season “almost constantly”, early moulting and exacerbated skin conditions.

H&H readers across the UK say they are having problems, particularly with mares.

Reader Janine Wylie from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, told H&H: “My mare would normally be fairly routine from early spring until October, but she has been acting strangely. I am getting my vet to scan her.”

And Tracey Woodbine said she was “astonished” to find her mare in season in January “as we live 1,000 feet up a mountain in North Wales”.

She added: “She went round the man ¨ge with her tail in the air, snorting. We don’t get this behaviour from her at the height of the season.”

Imogen Yates from Surrey said her mare had come into an “horrendous season” -despite being on Regumate.

“We have had to up the dose to balance her hormones. She is also getting her summer coat,” she added.

Juanita Coulson from Windsor said she was surprised to find her mare in season in

late December and that the mild weather had contributed to her mare’s dermatitis.

“She developed it quite badly on her tummy and flanks, brought on by sweat, which is hard to wash off at this time of year,” she added.

H&H vet Karen Coumbe said she was noticing both reduced winter coat growth and early shedding, affected by the high temperatures.

“Another concern is laminitis – as the grass is relatively good in some areas,” she added.

But reproductive expert Dr Jonathan Pycock said it was unlikely that mares were actually in season.

“The overriding mechanism [in stimulating their ovaries] is daylight, not temperature,” he explained.

“If a mare is thinking about whether to cycle, she will be encouraged if the weather is mild. You may see the signs such as tail lifting – but she will not be ready to ovulate.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (19 January 2012)

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Ruby, the Welsh mare who became a global news sensation after her owner took her for a rather unusual walk around Wrexham, has been rescued by the RSPCA.

The pony hit the headlines after traveller Joe Purcell, 68, tried to board a train with her in tow. The duo were photographed in a lift at the station and had previously been turned away from the local A&E — where Mr Purcell was allegedly trying to get treatment for the pregnant mare — and spotted in their local pub.

Concerns for Ruby’s welfare grew after she was found tethered by a road near a petrol station.

She was taken by the RSPCA after she was found grazing on council land near Wrexham hospital on 31 May.

A council spokesman said: “We are investigating reports that the pony had been abandoned on a number of nights at unsuitable locations, including the hospital helipad and a cemetry.

“On a number of occasions the animal has been left untethered and unaccompanied close to busy roads.

“Complaints have been received from the public raising concerns over the welfare of the animal and public safety issues.

“The pony has been examined by a vet and will be looked after in a secure place.”

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A mare is recovering after being shot with a crossbow while grazing in her field in Felbridge, Surrey.

Police are warning horse owners to be vigilant after the attack, which took place on the morning of 12 April.

The 18-year-old received two wounds and was found in a distraught state. A 15-inch crossbow bolt was subsequently discovered in her field.

“This was a deliberate and shocking act of animal cruelty and one which has caused great distress to both the horse and the owner,” said PC Paul Clifton of Surrey police.

“This type of crime is extremely rare and clearly the person responsible needs to be identified. There are a number of regulations around the ownership and possession of a crossbow, particularly concerning those under 18, and I am appealing to anyone with any information about who may have carried out such a despicable act to come forward.

“Do you know someone who may have been in the area at the time who owns a crossbow or has use of one? Perhaps someone has bragged to you about targeting horses in such a way?

“I would urge all horse owners, and the rural community as a whole, to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious immediately.”

If you have any information, contact Surrey Police, tel: 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number TD/11/1783.

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A 19-year-old grey mare was rescued from a ditch at Northam near Bideford by members of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service yesterday morning (14 July).

Bideford Group supervising officer, Graham Rooke said: “The grey mare had a young foal and was extremely fatigued from trying to get out on her own.

“We enlisted the help of a digger driver from the golf course next door and then attached the strops to the digger with the cow nets under the horse.

“We managed to lift and pull the horse out to safety.”

He said the mare suffered nothing more serious than a dead leg and was soon reunited with her foal.

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Three young, unweaned fillies have been stolen from a field near Martock in Somerset.

Police say the theft occurred between 11am 15 August and 6.30pm 16 August from a 23-acre field on the South Petherton side of Paratt Works in Martock.

The youngsters were a pink roan filly and a grey filly, both two and half months old and a black/blue roan filly, five months old.

Joint owner Jonathan Talbot, 47, who owns the horses with his 57-year-old brother Julian, said: “I’m gutted. They were so young. They will need a lot of attention.

“We’ve rung around everywhere including the animal feed places to see if anyone has bought milk powder. I hope the people realise how young they are and are looking after them.”

The two brothers own 30 horses, which they drive and use for leisure purposes.

Tess Smith, Horse Watch co-ordinator for Avon and Somerset police said: “The owners are understandably distraught at the loss. The fillies are dependent on their mother’s milk and due to their very young age there is a huge concern for their safety and wellbeing.”

She continued: “We’re appealing for anybody with any information to please come forward. There are no photos but the owners can identify them.

The thieves cut gate locks with a grinder and herded the horses using newly installed fencing aimed at enabling the owners to catch their mares more easily.

Tess Smith can be contacted on 0845 456 7000.

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Three men will appear in court tomorrow charged with unnecessary suffering to a piebald mare.

The mare, Maggie, had to be put down following the attack over which three men local to Essington, Wolverhampton.

On the morning of 13 April 2007 the 19-year-old piebald mare was found in her field bleeding heavily and with such severe wounds that she had to be put down.

Maggie’s owner, Davina Bowyer, found her mare bleeding heavily with wounds to her back leg, her Achilles severed, one foreleg smashed above the knee and with cuts all over her body.

The attack — carried out with some kind of blade — led to locals raising a £1,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. The attack took place overnight between 13-14 April, and three suspects were arrested on 27 April.

Three local men will appear tomorrow at Stafford Magistrates Court charged with unnecessary suffering to Maggie. The case is scheduled to start tomorrow and may run for three days.

Davina said: “Maggie was such a sweet-natured horse, she wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

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British Breeding, an ‘arm’ of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is to become an independent organisation akin to British Eventing and British Dressage. After consultation with the British sport horse and pony sector it has been established British Breeding is the preferred lead body.

The move towards independence is inline with the British Horse Industry Confederation’s Strategy for the Horse, launched last month. Over the past months the BEF has been ascertaining which lead bodies best represent the various sections of the horse industry. While British Breeding will be representing stud books and breeders, leisure horses and ponies and native and indigenous horses and ponies will be represented by the British Horse Society and racing thoroughbreds by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

“British Breeding will slowly cease to become the ‘breeding arm’ of the BEF and become a membership organisation for sport horse and pony studbooks, in turn seeking membership of the BEF in its own right,” explained a spokesperson for British Breeding.

“We can no longer be seen to be a part of the BEF but should represent the individual needs of our members, whilst coming under the umbrella of the BEF, like British Eventing and British Dressage,” the spokesperson continued.

Last year was an excellent year for British Breeding. Mares led the way in the Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding Futurity 2006. All the top scorers, in five and six-year-old show jumping and eventing classes were owner-bred mares, suggesting a bright future for breeding in Britain. British Breeding’s Futurity Scheme assesses potential competitive and breeding success in order to provide stock data about stallions and mares and expose the talent of young British horses to the market.

In Futurity’s eventing section Tregew Lace by King’s Composer out of Mala Springbok by Shaab, owned and bred by Bren Sweet, took the six-year-old prize, and Millie on Air by Mill Law out of Triple Echo by Primitive Rising won the five-year-old section. Millie on Air, who is ridden by Nicola Baguley and Becky Smith took six top 10 places at British Eventing events in just 12 outings.

Grade C show jumper Wisp by Ohio and out of Second Honeymoon took the five-year-old show jumping prize, having scored an impressive array of double clears and six wins in her first competitive season.

The dates for the 2007 Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding Futurity will be published on www.bef.co.uk on 1 March.

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Of the 138 mares forward at this year’s SHB (GB) gradings, 41 achieved head studbook status, with 54 going into the main studbook and 36 becoming foundation studbook mares.

The top mare was Ann Burnet’s The Tourmaline Rose, whose greatest claim to fame under saddle was three wins in Hickstead’s Eventing Grand Prix with Pippa Funnell.

Anne bought the daughter of Crown Cornelion out of a brilliant Irish hunter mare as a yearling in 1990 from her breeder, Carol Hill, after spotting an advert in Horse & Hound.

“I had to make the decision quickly because someone else was interested. I hoped I hadn’t made a mistake,” she recalls.

When Pippa Funnell expressed an interest in riding another of Anne’s horses, Designer Tramp, “Rosie” was part of the deal. As well as reaching advanced level in eventing, she was a grade A show jumper and was placed with Pippa in the speed Derby at Hickstead. Rosie has now been retired and her first foal, by Mayhill, is due at the end of March.

Another successful eventer, Doreen Allison’s Ballingowan Xena, made the top five mares. Bred in Co Galway, the 10-year-old by the Thoroughbred Easy Lift out of an Irish Sport Horse mare gained 23 Irish eventing points by the age of six, the same year she competed at Blarney Castle CCI. As a four-year-old, she won the lightweight hunter mare class at Royal Dublin. Doreen bought her in Yorkshire this year in-foal to Rainbow High. This will be Xena’s third foal, having also produced offspring by Primitive Rising and City Honours.

A second Irish-bred mare, Trea Newell’s Eoneve, was also among the top mares. Similarly bred to Ballingowan Xena, she is by the Thoroughbred Bonnie Prince out of an Irish Sport Horse mare. “Eve” was bought by Trea as a four-year-old and after completing her education in the hunting field went on to become a champion middleweight and ladies’ hunter with Loraine Homer. Trea hunts Eve with the Croome and West Warwickshire, and hopes to put her in-foal in the next two years.

British breeding received a boost when Susan Kerfoot’s Simply Emerald joined The Tourmaline Rose in the top five. Bred in Suffolk by the Haag family, Emerald is by Sportsnight out of a part-bred Melford Ben mare. She was given to Susan, who already owned her full sister, after an injury stopped her advanced eventing career. Emerald is now in-foal to the advanced stallion Mill Law.

The show jumpers were represented in the top five by Pat Morris’s 16-year-old Catchas Catchcan. This mare is of unknown breeding but proved herself by accumulating £22,500 in winnings. She was ridden by Sharon Wild into second place in the national grade B final at the 1995 HOYS and competed internationally with Sharon, Geoff Glazzard and Derek Morton.

This breeding news story was first published in Horse & Hound (25 November, ’04)

The FEI has announced plans to permit the use of Regumate, which is used to suppress mareish behaviour, among horses taking part in international competitions.

The decision, taken at an FEI meeting last week, is a significant step forward, and may lead to an increase in the number of mares competing internationally.

“It will go to the general assembly for final approval in May, after which time Regumate will be allowed under three criteria,” says Andrew Higgins, a member of the FEI veterinary committee.

“First, the drug will only be allowed for use in mares. Second, only the dose recommended by the manufacturer can be used, and lastly, a medication form must signed by the administering vet and given to the FEI for approval.”

The decision follows several years of debate. John McEwen, who heads the International Treating Vets Association, has repeatedly asked the FEI to approve the use of the drug.

“We have done a lot of research into its physiological effects,” continues Higgins. “We’re satisfied that it doesn’t make a mare any more or less dominant — which could affect her competitive edge.”

This ruling will only apply to international competition, although the decision may have a knock-on effect in future, because in general, national bodies such as the BSJA, British Eventing, British Dressage and Endurance GB follow the FEI’s rules on prohibited substances.

Read the full story in the current issue of Horse & Hound (11 December).

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