Mares that tend to be moody might show signs of mellowing as the weather cools. Colder weather goes hand-in-hand with shorter days, and daylight influences a mare's hormones. These hormones control her reproductive cycle; from early spring until late fall, a mare is in estrus—her body produces eggs that mature and are released every 19 to 22 days.
During estrus, a mare has increased hormone levels, which can lead to impatience, aggressiveness and overall crankiness. As the days get shorter, the mare begins producing melatonin, which puts her body into anestrus, where no eggs are released. This transition begins in late fall; by the time the winter solstice comes, a mare is in the deepest part of anestrus. During this time, she may seem calmer and more easygoing.
If a mare's personality changes, it's worthwhile to keep a journal to see if the change is hormone related, as not all changes are. Year-round tracking, including daily observations, can be helpful, and including vital signs is a must. Noting her reactions in different situations and environments over multiple months will offer the ability to compare her attitude in different seasons to help identify hormone-related behaviors.
Read more at EQUUS magazine.
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