Spring means warmer days, blooming flowers… and high horses!
Why does my horse have mood swings? The ever-changing hormones surging throughout the female body can cause a plethora of changes in the way she feels physically, mentally and emotionally. This is the same for humans as for our horses. Do you dread when it’s ‘that time’ for you or for your mare?
Do mood swings from unbalanced hormones ever create havoc with your attitude or performance?
While we (human) females have hormonal cycles that average 28 days (in our reproductive years), a mare’s cycle is on average 21 days. Women have menstrual cycles that are about 5-7 days long and horses have their Estrus cycle for about 5 days, but usually only from about April through September.
Here’s an important comparison: Women experience pre-menstrual symptoms (irritability, mood changes, tender breasts, menstrual cramps, etc…) for about 1-3 days prior to a menstrual cycle, and then symptoms usually subside once menses begins. Mares experience Estrus for 5-7 days, which is the time when she may become problematic with her attitude and performance.
Humans have only 3 types of estrogens, whereas horses have over 20 types.
Continue reading Seasonal Mood Swings Coming Soon – Be Prepared!
