Post by animalexpert on Sept 13, 2005 20:39:26 GMT
Many horse owners have entertained the idea of breeding their mare. The idea that you can select the stallion that would best complement your mare and give the resultant foal the qualities you desire can be quite compelling. Many a mare owner has interviewed and visited a dozen studs before they settle on the one they feel best suits their mare. Before you get caught up in the fantasy, lets learn about the reality.....equine breeding can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be a very heartbreaking one.
Many breeders, both big and small, can fall victim to problems that could have been prevented with foresight and knowledge. In this article, we will discuss one of the most important parts of equine reproduction----the mare.
When I first decided to breed my mare a few years ago, I will be the first to admit that most of what I thought I knew about horse breeding was all false. I was ill-prepared for some of the changes my mare encountered, and for the emotional drain on us both when her foal was born three months early and dead. Those who claim horses have no emotions that can be compared with humans should have seen this mare grieve for her foal. For days she called to him, listening intently for a response that was never to come. She stood watch over the area in the pasture she gave birth, and refused to leave. Within the month she was back to her saucy self.
Normal births are always a blessed event, but it seems those that didn't work out the way they should are the ones we remember the most often. I think it is because from those we learn that normal births are miracles and all to often are taken for granted. We must draw from our experiences as well as anatomy and physiology to truly understand the wonderment of birth. Common sense must couple with education to succeed in equine breeding.
One of the first things we must consider when deciding whether to breed a mare or not is her age. I would discourage the breeding of any filly before her third birthday. Horses generally tend to continue to grow and develop until the age of five. On the other end of the spectrum, the AQHA had a broodmare who produced a foal at the age of twenty-seven!
Now let's consider conformation. The mare should be a quality representative of her breed. She should have the characteristics that are considered desirable by breeders of her type, and flaws should be weighed against them.
The mare should undergo a complete physical by your veterinarian prior to service. He will check internal as well as external reproductive organs and body systems. She may or may not need blood builder to help prevent anemia...things only your vet can properly diagnose.
The veterinarian will also check the mare's vulva. A straight vulva is more desirable than one that slopes. In the sloping condition a mare can draw air in through the vulva then down into the uterus where it can cause infections. This condition can be remedied with stitches, or Caslick's Operation. The vulva is stitched closed down to the area at the brim of the pelvis. Urinating is still possible, and the stitches are removed prior to birth.
When the veterinarian gives his approval of the mare's health for breeding, you need to begin watching her for signs of her estrus cycle. A mare comes in season once every three weeks and stays in heat an average of three to nine days. During this time she will exhibit several indications she is ready to breed.
If you have a gelding on the premises, you may notice him taking an interst in your mare, or she in him. She will call to him and follow him around. As her cycle gets stronger, you may see him raise his head and show his teeth (known as the Flehemen Response). She will lift her tail, sometimes straight up, sometimes to the side, and squat. Frequent urination in small spurts is observed. If the mare is not ready, she will kick out at the male horse and not allow him closer than to simply sniff at her. A stallion or a gelding will rarely show excessive interest in a mare until she reaches the receptive stage of her heat cycle. Watch your male horse. When he exhibits signs of wanting to mount, screaming or nibbling and chewing on the mare, she may very well be ready for service.
Author: Linda S. Whitford
Linda Sue Whitford has had a lifelong love-affair with horses; from a very young age she knew that no matter what she did with her life, it would have to include horses. Three years ago they founded the American Mustang Horse Association to register BLM Mustangs and offer education and training for new and prospective mustang owners.
Many breeders, both big and small, can fall victim to problems that could have been prevented with foresight and knowledge. In this article, we will discuss one of the most important parts of equine reproduction----the mare.
When I first decided to breed my mare a few years ago, I will be the first to admit that most of what I thought I knew about horse breeding was all false. I was ill-prepared for some of the changes my mare encountered, and for the emotional drain on us both when her foal was born three months early and dead. Those who claim horses have no emotions that can be compared with humans should have seen this mare grieve for her foal. For days she called to him, listening intently for a response that was never to come. She stood watch over the area in the pasture she gave birth, and refused to leave. Within the month she was back to her saucy self.
Normal births are always a blessed event, but it seems those that didn't work out the way they should are the ones we remember the most often. I think it is because from those we learn that normal births are miracles and all to often are taken for granted. We must draw from our experiences as well as anatomy and physiology to truly understand the wonderment of birth. Common sense must couple with education to succeed in equine breeding.
One of the first things we must consider when deciding whether to breed a mare or not is her age. I would discourage the breeding of any filly before her third birthday. Horses generally tend to continue to grow and develop until the age of five. On the other end of the spectrum, the AQHA had a broodmare who produced a foal at the age of twenty-seven!
Now let's consider conformation. The mare should be a quality representative of her breed. She should have the characteristics that are considered desirable by breeders of her type, and flaws should be weighed against them.
The mare should undergo a complete physical by your veterinarian prior to service. He will check internal as well as external reproductive organs and body systems. She may or may not need blood builder to help prevent anemia...things only your vet can properly diagnose.
The veterinarian will also check the mare's vulva. A straight vulva is more desirable than one that slopes. In the sloping condition a mare can draw air in through the vulva then down into the uterus where it can cause infections. This condition can be remedied with stitches, or Caslick's Operation. The vulva is stitched closed down to the area at the brim of the pelvis. Urinating is still possible, and the stitches are removed prior to birth.
When the veterinarian gives his approval of the mare's health for breeding, you need to begin watching her for signs of her estrus cycle. A mare comes in season once every three weeks and stays in heat an average of three to nine days. During this time she will exhibit several indications she is ready to breed.
If you have a gelding on the premises, you may notice him taking an interst in your mare, or she in him. She will call to him and follow him around. As her cycle gets stronger, you may see him raise his head and show his teeth (known as the Flehemen Response). She will lift her tail, sometimes straight up, sometimes to the side, and squat. Frequent urination in small spurts is observed. If the mare is not ready, she will kick out at the male horse and not allow him closer than to simply sniff at her. A stallion or a gelding will rarely show excessive interest in a mare until she reaches the receptive stage of her heat cycle. Watch your male horse. When he exhibits signs of wanting to mount, screaming or nibbling and chewing on the mare, she may very well be ready for service.
Author: Linda S. Whitford
Linda Sue Whitford has had a lifelong love-affair with horses; from a very young age she knew that no matter what she did with her life, it would have to include horses. Three years ago they founded the American Mustang Horse Association to register BLM Mustangs and offer education and training for new and prospective mustang owners.