Breeding Patterns in Mares and Stallions
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

As far as the stallion is concerned, he is ready to breed anytime and anywhere but the mare is different. She is classified as a seasonal breeder which means she only comes into heat (called estrus) during the seasons of the year which have the longest daylight. During the season she comes into heat she cycles in and out of heat with regularity, only accepting the stallion around the time of ovulation. The times she is out of heat is called "diestrus". During the short day seasons, she does not cycle and usually does not accept the stallion and this time is called anestrus. Though similar to diestrus in that she is not receptive to the stallion hormonally it is much different.

Successfully and econmically breeding mares requires you understand the mares reproductive cycle as the number one reason for delated conception and infertility is poor timing of stallion cover and insemination. In this article we will explain the stallion fertility and discuss the mare's reproductive cycle with an emphasis on successful breeding.

You have just read the introduction to one of our nearly 800 articles on horse care, diseases, and training. It includes a description of the contents of the unabridged version. As a guest you can access this article two different ways: either purchase the article or become a member and take advantage of all the benefits Horseadvice.com has to offer. Check out our Membership Drive Discount below but hurry. This is for a limited time!