What are the main differences between a geldling and mare?

[Mermaid2]

I have a 5 year old gelding and am about buy a section A mare for my DD. Owner has told me a few facts about how they look after her but are mares really that different.

I know I have to take into account her being on season etc and keeping her clean but surely sensible basic practice will work well enough. Any advise please?

We owner geldings and mares and find there is really little difference. We have had a problem with the mare when she came into season at a show - it made her usually ambivalent stable mate become very clingy with her!

I know that mares can also be a bit more moody but generally (maybe we've been lucky) we've not had any other problems.

well without wanting to be too blunt - a mare has ovaries, a vagina and an udder, whereas a gelding has a penis but no testicles.
seriously, i have both, no probs, i've competed chestnut TB mares for years with plenty of success, and because of their colour/sex combo pay half what their equivalent in talent bay gelding would cost.

I love mares and prefer them to geldings. IMO and very genrally speaking, mares are brighter and braver than geldings. They can also be trickier of course.

The only real difference will be the mare coming into season through the spring and summer which might make her a pain in the butt if you're taking her to shows and stuff.

I've not found huge differences with my mares to be honest, they aren't even a pain when in season. I think you need to remember they are a "full horse" like a stallion, so maybe not quite such a pushover as a gelding.

I only have mares and love them. As I only have mares, the seasonal effects seem to be lessened, as there is no one to flirt with. When I was on livery, with geldings, one mare was particularly hormonal, and I used to give her 'frisky mare' from global herbs. It's very good, all herbal not overly expensive and it really levelled her out.

That's great to hear thanks for all the replies, can't wait now.

The main difference between my mare and gelding is that the mare is considerably brighter

She can act like a complete floozy when in season out in the field, but as soon as you want to do anything with her you wouldn't notice any difference.

You ask a mare, tell a gelding & discuss it with a stallion!!!

So true [nods]

Very true cluckykate

My mare is very bidable but when she says no she generally means it, geldings can be coerced more with flattery and encouragement!