Horses are long-day breeders, meaning they only cycle during a set period of the year. The increasing day length in spring stimulates kicks starts the mare’s seasons. Just as the increasing day length initiates the hormonal activity, the shorter autumn days reduce it and most mares stop cycling around October or November. Interestingly, the stallion’s reproductive function does not stop in the winter however daily sperm production and volume, hormonal concentrations and libido are much greater in the true breeding season.
Mares will come into season approximately every 21 days. The oestrus period (season) lasts 5-7 days, in which they will be receptive to the stallion. These signs vary greatly between mares, but include squirting, winking, squealing and occasionally mood changes. The behavioural signs reduce as ovulation approaches and oestrus ends approximately 24 hours after ovulation occurs.
Persistent oestrus behaviour or the mare being ‘moody’ is a common complaint. There are many options to manage these cases, including:
If you want to discuss options for managing your mare, or you have any other concerns give us a call.
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