Breeding Your Mare

Eager to hear the clatter of little hooves? Kim Dyson discusses the basics of putting your mare in foal.

- Kim Dyson

Mares are seasonal breeders, and are therefore inactive in winter. As spring approaches, hormones in the mare’s body react to the increase in day length, triggering oestrous.

This process is not always flawless. Initially, the mare may not cycle properly (she may come on heat, but fail to ovulate, a condition known as ‘transitional oestrus’), but this usually resolves itself within two weeks or so. If you mate your mare during transitional oestrus, she may accept the stallion, but not be ready to be in foal.

The mare’s oestrus cycle consists of five stages; your aim is to determine the one day (only one!) out of 21 when she ovulates. Begin by arranging for a vet to examine the mare. Then introduce a teaser stallion, and closely record her behaviour (see box).

ACCURACY IS KEY