My mare is about 313 days and now doesn't like any other horse to even walk by her stall. She throws her front foot and screams out. What is this all about? She was fine with the horse stalled next to her but all of the sudden she yells at him and gives him the ugliest looks.
Jenn this is what I call a nesting mode. It's not at all unusual for mares as they get closer to foaling. It is perfectly normal for many mares to act this way, both prior to and after foaling. You may want to be very cautious around this mare during this time. They typically are only threatening anything that enters their space and will back down if they respect you. However I have seen mares become very aggressive with this and if they do, they can not only be a hazard to a new born foal by inadvertently stepping on them in an attempt to protect them, but to those who work with them as well. So I would exercise appropriate caution when working around her until she has foaled and this passes. It usually passes in a few days after they foal.
HP
elkene
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2001 - 12:13 pm:
What about a mare who has gotten really grumpy? She's at 341 days and has been very cranky the last 3 days--had a little wax on her teats at 340 days. I used to be able to touch her udder, now she pins her ears and tosses her head! She hasn't tried to kick me (yet) but tried to cow kick my trainer when she touched her.
elkene This would fall into the same basic category however much milder, than the one talked about in the previous post. She just would prefer that you do not invade her space, that´s all. She my exhibit more protective traits as time Draws near to foaling. It´s perfectly normal behavior for many mares as they get closer foaling.
HP
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