Foal heat occurs in about 50-60% of mares, and is most common in mares that have given birth to their first foal. It typically begins 2-4 days after foaling, and can last for up to 10 days. During this time, the mare will show signs of estrus, such as:
* Increased nervousness or irritability
* Standing to be mounted by other horses
* Frequent urination
* Swollen vulva
* Clear or mucus-like discharge from the vulva
If a mare is bred during foal heat, she is more likely to conceive than if she is bred at another time of her cycle. However, it is important to note that foal heat can be a sign of uterine infection, so it is important to have the mare checked by a veterinarian before breeding.
Foal heat can be managed by a variety of methods, including:
* Weaning the foal early (before the mare goes into foal heat)
* Using a teaser stallion to induce ovulation
* Treating the mare with hormones to prevent her from going into foal heat
If you are concerned about foal heat, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine the best course of action for your mare.