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Discussion on Non-pregnant behavior change?
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Member: Jerre
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 3, 2003 - 8:08 pm:
I have a very placid Perch/TB mare, who was, unknown to me, pregnant when I bought her. She was barely 3 (and just barely pregnant), so we rode, teaching basics for about 10 months until, duh! the baby came. All of that went well, and we're beginning to wean. We're also going back to work. Even considering the 5-month layoff, I'm noticing that the mare is more alert, more reactive than my previous experience with her. It doesn't seem to be anxiety about the baby, because she's very close by when we're working -- within sight. The mare is by no means spooky now, but just seems more alive. She really was incredibly unflappable last year. Does being pregnant quiet a mare down? Does anyone have any experience on pregnant/non-pregnant personalities? Thanks, Jerre
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Member: Dres
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 3, 2003 - 8:18 pm:
i have always ridden and shown my brood mares, what i noticed is the calm while pregnant, and also the lack of energy starting about the 7th month... usually around 9 months i quit the heavy work outs and just hack around on them... i put them back to work 4 weeks after foaling.. light work till i can put the foal in a paddox next to the arena, about 8 weeks after.. anyway..YES , the mares become more alert and animated with the foal in the paddox.. its like they are multi- tasking , preparing for the show ring once again and being mom..! * i think i will color my ceiling ....* you get the idea.. after weaning the mare is VERY alert.. that wears off in time... hope this helps... Ann
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Member: Jerre
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 3, 2003 - 10:23 pm:
Ann, thanks so much. It seems much of her dead-quietness was the pregnancy. I just thought she was getting really settled in with me -- I think she was max 4 weeks pregnant when purchased. And she's just 4, so still a baby, albeit a big one, herself. We're just beginning weaning, with gradual separations. I'd like to be able to take the mare off the farm by herself by the end of October. Life is sure full of surprises! Jerre
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Member: Imogen
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2003 - 2:46 am:
I think 3-yos are often quiet because they have not fully developed muscle or mental alertness. It is not unusual for horses which are broken at 3, turned away and then put back to work at 4 to be much more difficult to handle irrespective of pregnancy/gender. However, I am sure the Percheron genes will help keep her calm in the long run. All the best Imogen
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