I know that many people in the horse world would never own a stud or have anything to do with one unless they were running a breeding facility. But there are a lot of people out there with Alpha mares and don't realize that they can be as dangerous and sometimes even more dangerous then a stallion when mishandled or put into the wrong type of situations.
Here are the pros and cons as I see them.
A stallion is much like what people love about a gelding. They are the same horse every time you go get them. A stallion has one thing on his mind and as long as you never forget that you will likely never have a problem. Control the situation he is in by proper training and handling and you will never have to worry about him running up behind a mounted rider on an in season mare. You just have to always be vigilant as this is always his natural drive.
Now what many people don't know and don't realize is that the stallion does not run the day to day workings of a herd. He is strictly there for protection and pro-creation. The leader, law enforcer, nurturer and director is the Alpha mare.
With that information you have a lot of insight and can understand why they can be harder to manage and more dangerous for a beginner or uneducated handler. An Alpha Mare does not bend to your will easily, she will not take your lead easily, she will be very protective of you and her pasture mates, Her pasture is just that "HERS". She will be more aggressive in her actions when she puts her mind to something. "I don't like that horse" (not helpful in a trail ride or show ring)... "I don't like that saddle"... "I don't want to trot".... "I don't want to go that direction".... "I don't want to go over/thru _________"..... "I don't like this pasture" (over/thru the fence she goes).
You get the idea. it can be as simple an argument as her stopping and refusing to move to Bucking/rearing/striking/bolting.....
What should/can you do if you have an alpha mare? There are many things you can do and can lead a safe and happy life.
1) YOU (and anyone handling her) MUST BECOME THE LEADER! This is the most important step.
2) You can use a herbal or medical supplementation like "Mare Magic", "Regumate"
3) Pregnancy- Some people believe that Alpha Mares do best when they are pregnant or have had at least one foal. Don't want a foal? You could try marbleing your mare. It is a medical procedure that is very simple and makes that body think it is pregnant.
This is really just scratching the surface and I will continue to elaborate in future blogs.