Here's a breakdown:
* February-March: Mares begin to cycle, and their estrous cycles become more regular.
* April-May: Mares are at their most fertile, making this the ideal time for breeding.
* June-September: Mares continue to cycle, although fertility may decline slightly as the season progresses.
* October-January: Most mares enter a period of anestrus, where they do not cycle. This is influenced by the shorter days and cooler temperatures.
It's important to remember that:
* Individual mares can vary: Some mares may cycle earlier or later than others, and some may even cycle year-round.
* Environmental factors play a role: Factors like weather, daylight hours, and nutrition can all influence a mare's breeding season.
* Breeding management: Horse owners can use management techniques like artificial lighting or hormone treatments to manipulate the breeding season if needed.
Overall, while the "mating season" for horses is generally considered to be from February to September, individual mares may cycle and be receptive to breeding outside of these months.