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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DAUGHTER OF WINTER MEMORIES DEBUTS AT THE SPA

2nd-SAR, $72K, Msw, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:44 p.m.

Jimmy Toner unveils the latest daughter out of his MGISW pupil Winter Memories (El Prado {Ire}) Sunday in SEASONS (Tapit). A dual Grade I winner in New York, including this venue’s Diana S., millionaire Winter Memories is a daughter of MGISW Memories of Silver (Silver Hawk) and a half-sister to GSW La Cloche (Ghostzapper), who in turn produced GSW Bellavais (Tapit). Winter Memories is also the dam of MSW & MGSP Winter Sunset (Tapit). Chad Brown also sends out an intriguing firster here in Peter Brant’s $325,000 KEESEP buy Misspell (American Pharoah). Out of a half-sister to MGSW & GISP Honorable Duty (Distorted Humor), the chestnut’s third dam is Grade I-winning blue hen Toussaud (El Gran Senor), who is responsible for MGISW sire Empire Maker (Unbridled) and Grade I winners Chester House (Mr. Prospector) and Honest Lady (Seattle Slew), who is the dam of GISW First Defence (Unbridled’s Song) and stakes winners Honest Mischief (Into Mischief), Phantom Rose (Danzig) and Honest Quality (Elusive Quality). TJCIS PPs

CASSE UNVEILS PRICEY UPSTART AT WOODBINE

3rd-WO, $126.8K, Msw, 2yo, 6f (AWT), 2:05p.m.

Mark Casse unveils the most expensive member of Upstart’s first crop in $510,000 FTSAUG buy WORA. The John Oxley colorbearer is out of SP Joyous Music (Bellamy Road). TJCIS PPs

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