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
Slide 3
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)
Slide 4
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.
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How to impregnate a mare? Naturallywith a stallion Artificial
insemination
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Natural Breeding Human directed and very selective Bred for
certain traits Planned mating Less veterinary input=less cost
(usually)
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Artificial Insemination Hand Breeding Dont 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
Slide 8
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
Slide 9
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%
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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
Slide 11
Pregnant Mare Feed Traces of copper Skeletal formation
Increased protein Increased fat Extra vitamins and minerals
Slide 12
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 circulation Foaling Mare
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Meconium 1 st stool of a newborn mammal Contains contents that
were ingested in the uterus Sticky tar color If not removed, foal
will die
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Caring for your foal If the foal is orphaned, you can feed it
cows milk At age 10-14 days old, begin training your foal Called
breaking
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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.
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Tack Tools or accessories equipped on horses Saddles Stirrups
Bridles Halters Reins Bits Harnesses
Slide 20
Saddle Seats for the rider Fastened to the horses back and
strapped to the girth On this image, the gullet is covering the
pommel
Slide 21
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
Slide 22
Bridle The headgear on a horse Crown piece is same as
headpiece
Slide 23
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
Slide 24
Grooming Tools Curry Comb Clippers Mane and Tail Comb Hoof
Pick
Slide 25
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
Slide 26
Horse s Field of Vision: Blinds Spots Include: Directly in
front Directly in back Directly below, on ground
