Mare (horse)
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- This page is on equines; for other uses see mare
A mare (from an old Germanic word, possibly derived from Gaulish) is a female horse. The word is also an etymological root of marshal (originally Latin marescalcus 'horse servant', or stable hand).
The word can also be used for other female equine animals.
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[edit] Behavior
Mares are considered easier to handle than stallions. However, mares have a notorious, if sometimes undeserved, reputation of being "marish," meaning that they can be cranky or unwilling on the ground or under saddle, especially when they come into season. Due to this, many amateur riders prefer geldings. However, there are many riders who prefer mares because they generally try very hard for their rider, perhaps more so than the average gelding. Some mares may also be placed on hormone therapies, such as Regumate or herbal remedies, which are believed to help control their "marish" behavior.
[edit] Uses
Mares are used in every equestrian sport. However, there are some that prefer mares over male horses, or vice-versa. Bedouins desired mares on their raids, because stallions would nicker to the opposing camps' horses, whereas mares would be quiet.
[edit] Derived terms
A broodmare is a mare used for breeding.
- A mare's nest is an expression for "excitement over something which does not exist" since 1619
