HowToDoThings.com Horses

How To Understand Horse Gestation and Foaling

Amanda457 — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 14:56:00 -0500

Gestation, or term of pregnancy, in a mare is approximately 340 days but can be anywhere from 330 to 350 days. Although the mare's age and breeding history do play roles in determining the gestation period, the weather at the time the mare is due to foal seems to be the biggest factor in determining whether the foal will be born earlier or later. If the weather is warm, gestation will be shorter and if it is cold, gestation will be longer.

During gestation, the mare should still be ridden and kept to her usual routine so that when it is time to foal, it will be easier on her. Most do say not to trailer, jump, or go on hard rides once the mare is in her seventh month because of the pressure it would create. To predict when the mare is due to foal, simply subtract 25 days from one year from the breeding date or suspected breeding date.

There are several signs to look for when a mare is close to foaling. These are:

How To Breed Horses

Amanda457 — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:23:00 -0500

Breeding and caring for a pregnant mare, not to mention a new foal, is a big decision and responsibility. There are many things to consider after you have made the decision to breed your mare. If you aren't familiar with breeding and caring for a pregnant mare, it is best to seek professional assistance with the breeding and have someone that can help answer any question or concern that you may have. Some of the things that need to be taken into consideration even before breeding takes place are:

How To Teach a Horse to Lead

Deborah331 — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:21:00 -0500

Teaching a horse to lead can be either easy or difficult. The level of difficulty depends on two main factors: the age of the horse and the size of the horse. Of course, the younger and smaller the horse is, the easier it will be to teach to lead.

The equipment needed does not depend on the size of the horse. Either way, easy or hard, a trainer will need a properly fitting halter, a lead rope and a buggy whip.

As mentioned earlier, teaching a horse to lead is easier if the horse is a foal, not weaned or separated from its dam, or mother. If this were the case, it is easier on everyone if there are two people involved with the training, one for handling the mare and the other one to handle the foal.