Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour.
Authors: Aune Anna, Fenner Kate, Wilson Bethany, Cameron Elissa, McLean Andrew, McGreevy Paul
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Widespread assumptions about mares versus geldings persist amongst riding professionals, yet evidence supporting sex-based behavioural stereotypes remains scarce. Researchers analysed responses from 1,233 experienced equestrians (75% with 8+ years' riding experience) completing a 151-item behavioural questionnaire about their horses, employing ordinal logistic regression to identify statistically significant sex-related differences across 110 traits. Whilst mares proved significantly more likely to move away during catching (p = 0.003) and geldings showed greater propensity for chewing lead ropes (p = 0.003) and rugs (p = 0.024) when tied, ridden behaviour demonstrated no significant sex-related differences whatsoever. These findings challenge deeply embedded assumptions that may limit a horse's performance potential and risk introducing unconscious bias during interpretation of undesired behaviours, suggesting that training history and prior learning are more valuable predictors of ridden temperament than sex alone. For practitioners across all disciplines—farriers managing handling during appointments, vets assessing compliance during treatment, physiotherapists working with movement patterns, and coaches selecting or developing horses—this evidence warrants reconsideration of sex-based judgements and attention to individual learning histories rather than demographic assumptions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Do not assume a horse's ridden behaviour or performance potential based on sex; training history and prior learning are more predictive than demographic characteristics
- •Be aware that sex-based stereotypes can introduce unconscious bias when interpreting equine behaviour, potentially limiting the career prospects of capable mares
- •Consider that non-ridden behavioural differences (catching, chewing) are relatively minor and should not discourage selection of mares for ridden disciplines
Key Findings
- •Mares were significantly more likely to move away when being caught compared to geldings (p = 0.003)
- •Geldings were significantly more likely to chew on lead ropes when tied (p = 0.003) and chew on rugs (p = 0.024)
- •No significant sex-related differences were found in ridden horse behaviours despite differences in non-ridden behaviours
- •Rider preferences for geldings over mares may be based on unfounded sex prejudice rather than actual performance differences when ridden