The reproductive process of horses includes the mare’s estrus cycle, mating behavior involving both sexes, pregnancy lasting an average of 340 days, and giving birth to a single foal. The mare is inseminated during the estrus and pregnancy phase, after which the mother mare will give birth and care for the foal.
1. Estrus and Mating
Estrus: The mare goes through the estrus cycle, and when in this phase, she will display behaviors of readiness to mate.
Mating behavior: The mare may follow the male horse, curl her tail, urinate frequently, and turn her rump close to the male horse to mate.
2. Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy: The mare’s gestation period is on average about 340 days (from 320 to 370 days).
Childbirth: The mare usually gives birth to only one foal per litter, twins are very rare.
Horses usually give birth at night, between 8-10 pm and 3-4 am. The mother mare can be in a lying position or raise her rump when giving birth.
After birth, the mother mare will stand up and lick the foal.
3. Caring for the foal
Immediately after birth, the foal’s umbilical cord needs to be tied and cut short, then disinfected with iodine alcohol.
The foal needs to be dried, nursed and started eating concentrates and grass from about 35 days old.
Foals are active so they need a stable or safe play area with a fence around it.
