How can you tell how far along your horse is?

How can you tell how far along your horse is?

Signs of horse gestation can be detected by a Veterinarian through a rectal examination. This can be done within three weeks of the mare’s covering and the vet will place his hand in the rectum to palpate the uterus and assess its size, shape and also any swelling of the ovaries.

How long after a mare bags up will she foal?

Bagging up can occur anywhere from around 6 weeks prior to foaling to just days before foaling, but it is a good time to begin watching the mare. They will also form a wax-like substance on the ends of their teats, called “waxing up”, within a few days of when they will foal.

When’s the best time to breed a mare?

Despite early breeding (between two and five years) having yielded some good results anecdotally, most horse owners, breeders and equine veterinarians hold that the best age to breed a mare is in the 5 to 10 years of age range, with the caveat that the mare should have her first foal well before the age of 10 if she is …

When should I breed my mare?

Generally, assuming a filly is healthy and on a good plan of nutrition, she can be bred as early as two years of age, although many breeders suggest waiting until three years of age. Mares can continue to produce foals well into their late teens or early to mid 20’s.

Will mares eat before they foal?

Although wax and milk secretion usually indicate delivery will occur very soon, many mares foal without either, while some mares drip or stream milk for several days before foaling. Colostrum can be thawed and fed to the newborn foal at birth.

Can mares get pregnant when not in season?

As far as the stallion is concerned, he is ready to breed anytime or anywhere. The mare is different: she is classified as a seasonal breeder. She does not cycle all year long and does not accept the stallion when she is not in heat.