How Long Does Breeding Take for a Horse?

If you plan to breed your mare, first learn as much as you can about genetics and equine reproduction. Doing your homework ahead of time is the best way to find a good match for your mare, since the genetic background of the stallion can have a huge impact on the quality of the resulting foal. Producing a foal is an expensive and time-consuming process, and it is not something you want to rush into.

  1. Heat Cycle

    • Mares come into heat at regular intervals throughout the breeding season, generally every 21 to 23 days. In colder climates mares tend to come into heat regularly during the spring and summer months, but they may not come into heat as much during the colder parts of the year. It is generally not a good idea to breed during the fall or winter anyway, since the foal could be born while it is still quite cold outside.

    Breeding Options

    • Many stallion owners prefer in-hand breeding, since it poses less risk to a potentially valuable animal. Mares can kick and lash out at stallions when they are not receptive to breeding, and that could cause a serious injury. With in-hand breeding, the stallion owner remains in control of the stallion, while the mare owner remains with the mare and controls her with a halter and lead rope.

      But if you know your mare is the laid back type, and the stallion owner is agreeable, field breeding can be more effective. In the field breeding can take place any time the mare is ready, and that can result in a quicker pregnancy.

      Artificial insemination is another possibility, and it can make breeding a lot easier. Many breed organizations now allow the procedure, and frozen semen is readily available from stallion owners.

    Gestation Period

    • The gestation period of the horse is approximately 11 months. But as with humans and other animals, the actual amount of time the mare carries the foal can be shorter or longer. You should keep a close watch on the mare 10 months into her pregnancy, and be ready to call the vet if it looks like she is going into labor.

      Since the gestation period is so long, the time you breed is important. If you live in a cold climate, breed your mare so she will give birth in the late spring, when the weather has warmed sufficiently to give the new colt or filly a good start in life.

    Mare Care

    • It is important to have quality veterinary care for your mare both before and after breeding. You should have a thorough physical examination done by a qualified veterinarian before breeding to ensure that the mare is healthy enough to breed. After breeding takes place, you should contact the vet to check for pregnancy. The vet may prescribe special prenatal vitamins, along with a reduced work schedule for riding and show animals. As the expected date of delivery nears, it is important to keep an open line of communication with the veterinarian, since you may need to place a call once the mare starts to give birth. Most equine births are uneventful, but there is always a chance that something could go wrong. Contacting the vet at the first sign of labor and having the vet on hand during delivery is always a smart move.