Q&A for How to Breed a Horse

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What should I feed my breeding mare?

Jessica Rude
Equine Expert
Jessica Rude is an Equine Expert currently working on a cutting horse ranch in Valley View, Texas as well as a horseback riding center in Princeton, Texas. Previously, she was a Trail Guide and Wrangler at a camp and retreat center In Dallas, Texas, and an Equine Breeding Barn Manager at a reining ranch in Tioga, Texas. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Science from Tarleton State University. She has studied equine nutrition, reproduction, and management. Jessica specializes in equine breeding as well as instructing horseback riding lessons, leading trail rides, recognizing equine illnesses, and administering treatments.

Jessica Rude

Equine Expert

Expert Answer

Just like with a human, you have to make sure you're not underfeeding her, because she'll be eating for two. You also should talk to your doctor about how to supplement her diet with grain, salt blocks, or vitamins.

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Question

When is the best time to put the mare under the lights?

Community Answer

The natural breeding season of the horse is from May until August. This is when environmental conditions are best and the highest pregnancy rates occur.

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Question

My mini was pregnant when we bought her. It's been 390 days since then and no foal. Is this common?

Community Answer

Horses normally give birth after 340 - 370 days. Give her another week, and if she still has not given birth, consult your vet ASAP.

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Question

My mare is 15 hands high and 6 yrs. old, how old and how many hands should the stallion be?

Community Answer

What is your goal for the breeding? It depends on whether you want a foal with a chance to be smaller or larger. Breeding is always a gamble. Consider some of the multitude of horses already out there who need homes like off-track thoroughbreds, horse rescues and other places trying to help horses.

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Question

What is the gestation time of a horse?

Community Answer

A horse's gestation is 320-362 days give or take. Get the vet to confirm the time properly, so you can be ready at the right time.

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Question

What do I need the flaming torch for?

Community Answer

The torch is for observation. However, I recommend setting up a camera in the barn to observe your mare or sleeping next to her stall with a dim light on.

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Question

My mare has an outstanding dam and sire. I am going to breed her and my friend wants to breed her mare. Would it make sense to split costs, like the vet call and other things ?

Kate

Community Answer

Yes, that would make plenty of sense. Maybe one of you could pay for vet fees and the other could pay for other things like food and when it comes to competitions, the person who is riding should pay for entry fees, etc.

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Question

For how long should the stallion be with the mare? And can a stallion bring a horse into heat?

Shayla Crockett

Community Answer

Stallions can bring a mare in heat within a few hours if it is the right season. I usually leave my stallion with my mare for about 3 or 4 days. That usually works, but do it twice within a few weeks, just to be sure, and if she doesn't come back in heat then he probably got her bred.

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