Horse Reproduction and

BreedingAnimal Science

When can a mare be bred?

Peak time is between April to June Prime age of mare for breeding is 3-10

years old The best age is 3 years old

Mares over 13 may have difficult time if they have never foaled before

Stallions can be just over 15 months old to…

Heat (Estrus) Cycle 2 weeks out of heat (anestrus), 1 week in

heat Heat time can be 4-10 days long, average

being 6 days Mares ovulate on the last 1-2 days of heat Generally in the spring and summer but can

be receptive in late fall Controlled by the photoperiod (length of day)

“Teasing” signals A stallion is brought around to “tease” the mares and

test their level of estrus, graded on a scale 0-4. It takes 1-2 days to go from a grade 1 to grade 4.

0- Out of estrus 1 or 2- Light passiveness to stallion. May approach

stallion, but may fight or be disinterested. 3-Urinating when near the stallion, “winking” of the

vulva, lifting her tail, and somewhat passiveness. 4- Deep in Estrus. Approaches stallion with little/no

fighting and shows all behavioral signs in an extreme way.

How to impregnate a mare?

Naturally—with a stallion

Artificial insemination

“Natural” Breeding Human directed and very selective Bred for certain traits Planned mating Less veterinary input=less cost (usually)

Artificial Insemination

“Hand” Breeding Don’t have to travel to stallion location Aids in disease control between stallion and mare

Can also include antibiotics in semen (decrease odds of infection)

Reduces the possibility of injury to mare and/or stallion Permits the use of stallions which have been developed

poor breeding habits or have been injured Prevents overuse of stallion Permits breeding of abnormal or uncooperative mares Permits the use of older, more valuable stallions Results in higher pregnancy rates

Caring for your Mare

Pre-foaling vaccines are recommended Maximize the immunoglobulin of the

colostrum Vaccinations against Rhinopneumonitis

(EHV-1) virus Can cause abortions

Deworm prior to foaling

Gestation Period 11 months Early in pregnancy, the conceptus (fetus) is

mobile but will become fixed at day 16 In the last 3 months, the fetus will grow

60%

Riding is okay through most of pregnancy Requires a great deal of exercise During the last 3-4 months, caloric intake

must be increased Supplemental vitamins

Pregnant Mare Feed Traces of copper

Skeletal formation Increased protein Increased fat Extra vitamins and

minerals

Foaling

Separated during foaling from other horses Most mares foal at night or early in the

morning Labor is rapid (30 minutes) Feet to full foal = 20 minutes

Parturition Mare will lick foal to clean and to help

circulationFoaling Mare

Meconium 1st stool of a newborn mammal

Contains contents that were ingested in the uterus

Sticky tar color If not removed, foal will die

Caring for your foal If the foal is orphaned, you can feed it cow’s

milk At age 10-14 days old, begin training your

foal Called “breaking”

Key Terms Mare Stallion Foal Foaled Bred

A horse is “bred” where it has foaled If a foal is conceived in England but foaled in

USA, it is “bred” in the USA.

TackAnimal Science

Tack Tools or accessories equipped on horses

Saddles Stirrups Bridles Halters Reins Bits Harnesses

Saddle Seats for the rider

Fastened to the horse’s back and strapped to the girth

On this image, the gullet is covering the pommel

How to Tack Up: Saddling

Approach from the near side Place the saddle pad over the withers and

slide back Slide the saddle down over the pad BE

GENTLE! Be sure stirrups are up Drop the girth and tighten initially Check off side to ensure proper fit

Bridle The headgear

on a horse Crown piece

is same as headpiece

How To Tack Up: Bridling

Approach from the near side Place reins over the horse’s head Hold head band in right hand and hold bit

with left hand Place thumb in corner of horse’s mouth Gently slide bit over horse’s tongue Adjust bit, nose band and throatlatch if

necessary

Grooming Tools

Curry Comb

Clippers

Mane and Tail Comb

Hoof Pick

Heads Up! Safety First!

Approach a horse in a non-threatening manner

Know horse’s blind spots and remain in line of vision

Move calmly and firmly Reassure horse of your presence – use pats

and your voice

Horse’s Field of

Vision:

Blinds Spots Include: Directly in front Directly in back Directly below, on ground