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View Full Version : Mare likes filly over colt?


Cavesson
Sep. 2, 2009, 04:06 PM
Hello,
I'm new, but I've been reading the threads for a while now and thought it was time I asked a question of my own.
I am exercising/training a few horses and have noticed that the older mare(mother to two of the other horses) likes her daughter over her son.
They are not young horses either the filly(I should say mare) is 8-9 and the gelding is 13-14. They where both weaned obviously, I don't know how. The mare is always looking out for her little girl and vic versa. They call to each other when separated, not like a first time mare is separated from baby but still more then probably should be. Her boy however she could really care less. She calls most likey to the filly and sometimes the colt answers(he would answer no matter who called). I would much rather her not anywayand its really not bad.
Anyway when she is ridden with both of them in the ring she wants to be with the filly and pins ears back when colt goes by. They all get turned together with some other horses in a field and have for a few years I'm sure. Could care less about colt when turn out they get along well and everything.

My question: Is this seen much? Do must mare like there filly over a ruff and tumbal colt?
Not a big deal just curious, it's a joke around the barn that she's not supposed to have favorites!:winkgrin:

Indy-lou
Sep. 2, 2009, 04:29 PM
I think it is just a mare thing, as they tend to like to be with other mares, and unless they are in heat, they don't always appreciate males around them.

About Time
Sep. 2, 2009, 06:36 PM
My older mare definately prefers her daughter over her son...she always has. She did not care when the colt left her. She really stressed the filly leaving her. She was far more protective over the filly. The filly is now two. I weaned her of course, long ago. They were fine for a very long time being back together but recently, the mare coaxed the filly (by nickering and such) to start nursing again! Can you believe that!! I was stunned when I saw it. Now they still do this about once a week but that's it and I don't understand why but never in a million years would she let that colt of hers back under there! :)