Don’t even waste your time going to see a chestnut mare said my farrier, a good friend of mine and someone who really knows his stuff when it comes to buying horses!
Chestnut mares have quite the reputation for being difficult to ride, handle, and being all round fiery characters. So when I went to view two chestnut mares, I wasn’t hopeful that they would be the horses for me! However, I had read forums, such as this Horse and Hound forum, which gave me confidence that it be worth going to see the mares I had my eye on.
I saw eight horses in total, two of which were chestnut mares. Of all the horses I saw, surprisingly the two mares stood out the most. Both had great presence and an unwavering willingness to please. The one that stood out the most was a big, shiny, Dutch warmblood. I fell in love with her instantly and bought her a day later.
Zanzarra Z (stable named Zara) is the sweetest Horse I have ever owned. Riding her puts a big smile on my face. Her temperament is just impeccable, she goes beautifully on the flat and has a superb jump, she’s certainly teaching me a thing or two! For an amateur rider like me, who works full time and rides as a hobby, she really couldn’t be more suitable.
I’ve owned numerous Horses in the 20 years I have been riding, and I’ve jumped to a reasonably competitive level within Cornwall and the South West. Given their damming reputation, I have never looked, or even considered buying a chestnut mare!
Having now owned one, and ridden several, my opinion is very different.
Chestnut mares do not differ from any other colour of mare.
My advice for those worried about buying, or even riding a chestnut mare, would be – don’t listen to the myth and go and have a look! Mares are mares and they are always going to be more temperamental than the likes of a gelding. All in all, it seems that chestnut mares get a tough time of it in the equestrian world.
For all those who do believe the myth, I would love to hear your stories. Is there any scientific evidence or reasoning which suggests why chestnut mares differ?
For now though, and until I am proven wrong, I’m continuing to be an advocate of the chestnut mare!
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