Everything You Need to Know About Replacing Regu-Mate in Your Mare’s Routine

Managing a mare’s behaviour, performance, or breeding cycle often requires careful hormonal control. For many horse owners, Regu-Mate (altrenogest) has become a familiar solution thanks to its ability to suppress oestrus and help maintain consistent behaviour and performance.

However, there may come a time when you start exploring different options whether due to health considerations, competition regulations, breeding plans, or simply a desire to try a new approach. If you’re searching for an Alternative to Regu-mate for mares, this guide will walk you through what to consider, the pros and cons of various choices, and how to make the transition safely and effectively.

Pros: Maintains some hormonal control; can be effective for breeding synchronisation.
Cons: Requires close veterinary management; may carry its own side-effects or competition restrictions.

Behavioural and Environmental Management

Instead of pharmacological suppression, you can manage your mare’s in-season behaviour by:

• Adjusting training and competition schedules to avoid peak oestrus periods.
  
  

• Modifying turnout, handling, or companionship to reduce stress.
  
  

• Considering nutritional or herbal supplements that support hormonal balance.

Pros: Less chemical intervention; aligns well with natural breeding cycles.
Cons: May not completely control behaviour; requires careful observation and management.

Natural Cycling and Planned Breeding

If breeding is your goal, you may simply withdraw Regu-Mate and allow natural cycling, monitoring your mare closely for signs of oestrus and ovulation.

Pros: Supports natural reproductive function; avoids hormone use.
Cons: Less predictable; may result in stronger in-season behaviours; timing for breeding requires more attention.

Implementation: A Sample Transition Plan

Here’s a basic outline for replacing Regu-Mate safely and effectively:

• Step 1: Assess the mare’s reproductive health, cycling status, and behaviour.
  
  

• Step 2: Define your goal, breeding, competition, or natural management.
  
  

• Step 3: Stop Regu-Mate under veterinary supervision and monitor for return to oestrus within five days.
  
  

• Step 4: Choose your replacement strategy, alternate hormones, behavioural management, or natural cycling.
  
  

• Step 5: Monitor closely for behavioural or reproductive changes.
  
  

• Step 6: Reassess the plan with your vet if issues arise.

Key Risks and Considerations

• Behavioural relapse: Mares may display strong in-season behaviours again once Regu-Mate is withdrawn.
  
  

• Fertility adjustments: Long-term hormonal suppression can sometimes delay natural cycling and ovulation.
  
  

• Reproductive health: Hormonal treatment should be avoided in mares with uterine inflammation or infection.
  
  

• Human safety: Handle all hormonal products with care; wear gloves and avoid skin contact.
  
  

• Competition rules: Always check medication withdrawal times with your equestrian body.

Final Thoughts

Replacing Regu-Mate in your mare’s routine is not a simple switch, it’s a management decision that requires understanding her individual needs, behaviour, and long-term goals. With veterinary guidance, careful monitoring, and a tailored strategy, you can successfully transition your mare away from Regu-Mate while maintaining her health, performance, and breeding potential.

Whether your goal is a more natural approach, compliance with competition regulations, or preparation for breeding, thoughtful planning will ensure your mare remains healthy and balanced during and after the change.