Advice for Gelding Mounting Mares - Bromide?

[mdoodledoo]

Hi - I lurk on the TackRoom but this is the first time I've posted - I really need some advice. My 13yr old gelding is a sweetheart and has been turned out with basically the same herd for over a year without any problems. One mare has been on box rest for 3 months because of a leg injury and has just been turned back out. My boy and this mare have been close friends up until now.

The vet says that for a variety of reasons the mare has entered an 'estrogen-flurry' and my gelding is responding to it by trying to breed with her. Not just mounting, but actually trying to breed. The mare's owner is being pretty understanding and because the behaviour is sporadic has decided to keep turning her out. Things have been OK for 24hrs - they were grazing next to each other all yesterday without any problems.

This morning he tried again and managed to frighten the mare - now he's going to have to be separated until her estrogen levels drop. The vet has suggested Bromide as a short term solution - but the mare's owner told me that she wouldn't give it if he was her horse. I can't find any info on the www that seems to be clear on the issue. My vet says no significant side effects but people seem to be saying that it's something hideous without giving clear reasons why.

I'm after advice - anybody out there come across it being used in these circumstances? Was the gelding OK? Thanks for any replies.

[marge2]

I've never heard of Bromide being used. To be honest, I would just use the age old method of keeping them separated until she is out of season or whatever it is. You don't want to have to pay for Bromide if there is an easier and safer and far more effective way to keep his amorous behaviour in check.

[elephantpoo]

I knew a dog who had Bromide to control his epilepsy.
I've searched the web, too, since reading your post and there's not much out there is there?
There is one thread on Horse and Hound forum. The gelding had a spoonful a day and was fine.
Hope somebody else comes on here with something useful.

[elephantpoo]

Here
and a poster called bobble Here

[mdoodledoo]

Elephant - I saw the thread about the spoonful a day too and it gave me hope but it seems people are saying it dopes them up a bit. I compete on my boy so am loathe to give him anything that will take away much of his fizz. I suppose I just need to ask my vet again - he's very patient!

Marge - that's what I'm going to try for sure, but he's a daft sod and so I've a feeling that he'll not like being on his own in a new'ish field. He moved from a large herd (24) to a small herd (9) last year and it's taken almost the full 12 months for him to be calm when left out on his own if he's last to come in. If I create a small paddock with electric fencing in the main field I've a feeling he'll just stomp straight through it - but I'm going to have to try.

It's frustrating because the vet explained that this isn't my boy's fault, it's actually the mare's 'fault', except it's not hers either - just nature doing it's thing! Blooming annoying though!

Thanks all.

[mdoodledoo]

Thanks Elephant - I'd not seen the Bobble post before.

Just for info (meant to put it in the OP) - it's confirmed he's not a rig so that's not a factor.

[elephantpoo]

From your OP it's fairly obv. that he's not a rig. Would have come to this before now if he was.
Was going to say in my first post that surely the mare should at the very least share the segregation time......but I didn't want to upset anybody who may disagree
Your gelding is simply reacting to a very obvious stimulus!!
Can the mare not be separated more easily? Your boy doesn't deserve to be moved again if he doesn't settle quickly. I hope you sort this soon-must be very frustrating.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

We always segregate in season mares. We have a small paddock within our main one, the mares can see the others, but can't touch. All the flirting, squealing and kicking can be quite a pain, we have had more than one gelding with kick marks!
I don't see why you should have to deal with your boy, it's the mare that is the problem!

[mdoodledoo]

Thanks everyone - it was decided last night that we're going to split the field in two with electric fencing on Sunday and separate the mares and geldings - probably for the full Summer season. This seems like the best way for all - nobody getting hurt but all still getting a fair amount of grazing, 24hr turn out and still being able to feel part of a bigger herd even if they're in their side.

Luckily the yard owner isn't being weird, and the mare's owner is still being reasonable. It should all work out OK I hope. Thanks for the comments - much appreciated.