Managing reproductive behaviour and performance in mares is a key focus for breeders, trainers, and equine veterinarians throughout Australia. For many years, Regu-Mate® (altrenogest) has been the go-to prescription option for suppressing oestrus-related behavior and supporting breeding management. While it remains effective in many situations, Regu-Mate is not always the most practical, cost-effective, or appropriate choice for every mare or management system.

 

As a result, a growing number of Australian horse owners are seeking an Alternative to Regu-mate for mares that better aligns with their individual goals, budget constraints, safety concerns, and long-term equine wellbeing. This article explores why considering an alternative may be worthwhile and highlights the key factors that should guide informed decision-making.

 

Understanding the Role of Regu-Mate in Mare Management

Regu-Mate is a synthetic progesterone commonly used to suppress oestrus (heat) cycles in mares. By stabilizing hormonal fluctuations, it can reduce behavioral signs such as irritability, distractibility, and sensitivity during training or competition. It is also used in some breeding programs to support pregnancy establishment.

 

Despite its effectiveness, Regu-Mate is not without drawbacks. Daily oral administration, strict handling precautions, and ongoing costs can present challenges, particularly in large-scale or long-term use scenarios.

 

Limitations and Concerns Associated with Regu-Mate

Handling and Human Safety Risks

One of the most significant concerns with Regu-Mate is the risk it poses to humans. As a hormonally active substance, accidental skin absorption can interfere with human reproductive health. Pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions are advised to avoid handling it altogether.

 

In busy stables, ensuring consistent use of gloves, protective equipment, and correct storage is not always straightforward. For many Australian operations, this risk alone is reason enough to consider safer alternatives.

 

Ongoing Cost and Long-Term Use

Regu-Mate requires daily administration, often over extended periods. For owners managing multiple mares, this can become a considerable ongoing expense. Additionally, long-term hormonal suppression may not always be desirable, particularly for performance mares that are not intended for breeding.

 

Alternatives that require less frequent intervention or lower overall costs can offer a more sustainable solution without compromising behavioral management.

 

Compliance and Practicality

Administering a daily oral medication relies heavily on consistent compliance. Missed doses can reduce effectiveness, leading to a return of oestrus-related behaviors. For spelling paddocks, agistment situations, or remote properties common in regional Australia, daily dosing may be impractical.

 

Why Alternatives to Regu-Mate Are Gaining Popularity

Improved Safety Profiles

Many alternatives to Regu-Mate focus on reducing or eliminating hormone exposure to handlers. These options may include non-hormonal supplements, management strategies, or veterinary-administered treatments that remove the need for daily handling by stable staff.

 

From a workplace health and safety perspective, this is an increasingly important consideration for professional yards.

 

Targeted Behavioral Support

Not all behavioral issues in mares are purely hormonal. In some cases, digestive discomfort, stress, mineral imbalances, or environmental factors can exacerbate oestrus-related behaviors.

 

Modern alternatives often take a more holistic approach, supporting calmness, muscle comfort, and overall wellbeing rather than suppressing the reproductive cycle entirely. This can be particularly beneficial for performance horses where natural cycling is not inherently problematic.

 

Flexibility for Performance and Breeding Goals

Australian equine disciplines are diverse, ranging from racing and eventing to campdrafting and dressage. A one-size-fits-all hormonal solution does not always suit these varied demands.

 

Alternatives to Regu-Mate can offer greater flexibility, allowing owners and veterinarians to tailor mare management strategies based on workload, competition schedules, and breeding intentions.

 

Common Alternatives to Consider

While any change in reproductive management should be discussed with an equine veterinarian, commonly explored alternatives include:

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Used in some mares to suppress oestrus without daily medication.
  • Non-hormonal nutritional supplements: Designed to support nervous system balance and comfort during the cycle.
  • Environmental and training adjustments: Modifying workload, paddock arrangements, or feeding routines to reduce behavioural triggers.
  • Short-term hormonal protocols: Used strategically rather than continuously, reducing exposure and cost.

Each option has its own benefits and limitations, reinforcing the importance of individualised veterinary advice.

 

Choosing the Right Alternative for Your Mare

When considering an alternative to Regu-Mate, Australian horse owners should evaluate:

  • The mare’s age, health status, and reproductive history
  • Intended use (performance, breeding, or leisure)
  • Safety considerations for handlers and staff
  • Budget and long-term sustainability
  • Veterinary guidance and evidence-based outcomes

No single solution is appropriate for every mare, but the growing range of alternatives allows for more informed and balanced decision-making.

 

Conclusion

Regu-Mate has long played a valuable role in mare management, but it is not the only option available. For many Australian horse owners, the risks, costs, and practical challenges associated with daily hormonal administration make alternatives increasingly appealing.

 

By exploring safer, more flexible, and potentially more holistic approaches, owners can support both mare wellbeing and human safety without compromising performance or reproductive goals. Consultation with a qualified equine veterinarian remains essential, but being informed about alternatives empowers better outcomes for horses and the people who care for them.