Five Reasons Why We Love Our Mares

There are two types of people in the horse world: Normal people and mare people. Normal people avoid the craziness and will usually prefer a gelding for a nice ride. On the other hand, mare people never know what kind of day they will have when they show up to the barn.

However, here are five reasons why us mare people love our horses anyway.

1.) Mares have a lot of personality.

And by personality, I mean you never know if they want to cuddle or bite your ear off. Especially beware the chestnut mares (my absolute favorite).

Good thing there was a gate between us!

2.) They like to show off.

Well, they like to show off how they’re the boss. Haven’t you heard, “Tell a gelding, discuss with a stallion, ask a mare?”

Sometimes Bella "forgets" what guiding is, but she

knew the right spots to make a good pass

in front of the judge. 

3.) They keep you on your toes.

Why ride a trusty gelding when you can never guess what kind of ride you’ll have on a mare? Let’s throw predictability out the window! Will she step over the small stream of water while trail riding or will she jump it (she'll probably jump it)?

Oh look, another day where I can't catch Bella. And yes, she

wears a muzzle because she likes to tear the fence down.

4.) They teach you how to appreciate something.

When you have a near perfect ride, or your mare allows you to teach them something new, you really appreciate it after all the temper tantrums. Learning a new task is something you must work for, and it also highlights how important trust between horse and rider is.

After Bella could look at the obstacle and smell it,

it was no big deal to follow me over it.

5.) Forming a relationship with a mare is one of the most special bonds you will ever have.

Mares may not always be the sweetest or the most predictable (mine would rather run herself in the ground than let me catch her), but when you have those special affectionate moments together, you remember why mares are the most rewarding.

At the end of it all, Bella will always be my

heart horse.