Assessment and Modification of Behaviour of the Mare

Nowadays in many horse breeds a successful sporting career is required to make a horse eligible for breeding purposes, this may happen before or during its use at stud. The combination of sporting and reproductive duties represents a big challenge. In this regard, the suppression of sexual behaviour in mares used for sporting purposes is an issue of considerable importance for both veterinarians and horse owners. Undesirable behavioural traits, especially during oestrus, can make a mare difficult to handle and may have detrimental effects on performance. There are numerous methods for targeting this problem, all with advantages and disadvantages. Important factors to consider are reversibility and any lasting detrimental effect on fertility. […]