[1] The Galloping Glossary: A Fun Guide to Collective Nouns for Mares

Collective nouns are words used to describe groups of specific objects, animals, or people. When it comes to mares, the female horses, there are a few collective nouns that can be used to capture the essence of a group of these majestic creatures.

1. Herd: A very common collective noun for mares is a herd. As social animals, mares commonly live in groups, known as herds, led by an alpha female. These herds not only provide safety and companionship but also serve important purposes in their natural environments.

2. Band: A band is another precise term to describe a collective noun for mares. Usually used in more feral or wild horse populations, a band refers to a social group of horses consisting mainly of mares led by a dominant stallion. Bands are usually smaller than herds and become a tight-knit family unit.

3. Brood: In the context of mares, brood refers to a collection of female horses that have multiple offspring, often referred to collectively as the brood. Broodmares are specifically selected for their ability to reproduce and produce high-quality offspring useful in various areas like racing or breeding.

4. Stud: Though mainly associated with male horses, the term "stud" can also be used to refer to a group of mares. This usage is more common in a horse breeding context, where a group of selected mares are collectively referred to as a stud, often owned by a breeder or a specific breeding program.

It's important to note that these terms are not interchangeable, as they often describe different aspects of a group of mares and hint at their societal or reproductive roles. Selecting the most appropriate collective noun will largely depend on contextual factors and the intended portrayal of the group of mares being described.