Franklin Levinson's
Horse Help Center
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Moody Mare
Hi, I have a 4 year old Arabian mare. To make a long story short, she is VERY moody. She is fine on the ground and loves me to death, but as soon as you ride her she pins her ears, kick, bucks and ignores you. My question is, do you believe in Herbal Remedies? There are a few supplements just for moody mares. Do they work? Do you recommend any?
Thank you so much!
Megan
Hi Megan,
I am copying this to a friend of mind in England who may be able to answer your question about the Herbal Remedies. I have used them and they do work. I usually have a specialist come out to administer or prescribe them. Please make certain you are doing at least 20 minutes of ground play with the mare before you ride her, before you go to any outside 'remedies'. Most often, especially with young horses, there is not enough ground play to warm the horse up so that riding them is a challenging experience like you describe. There is no substitute for 'movement' and a substantial amount of it, before riding any horse. Before you 'label' a horse as one thing or another, this aspect of your equestrian program should be closely examined. More often than not, the behavior you described will be easily remedied by increasing the amount of time playing games and moving the horse energetically, with you on the ground, for at least 20 minutes before you ride the horse. This will definitely alter her mood to a better place before you ride her.
I look forward to your response and wish you the best of luck with your mare.
Sincerely, Franklin