Those that own mares should familiarize themselves with their horse's heat cycle. With spring in the air, your mare is likely to begin a 21-day estrus cycle. She becomes receptive to breeding. If you're wondering why this matters to you, some mares become more difficult to handle during this time. They may need a day or two off. It's common for them to become more distracted and focused on the males of the farm.

Signs of a Mare in Heat

  1. Urinate more frequently
  2. Raise her tail, squat, and "wink" her vulvar lips
  3. A yellowish-white discharge may be seen
  4. More receptive of a stallion, won't put up a fight
  5. Some become nervous or more anxious than usual
  6. Can become irritable, especially if experiencing ovarian pain
  7. More social than usual, including calling out to other horses
  8. Easily distracted
  9. Sensitive to touch
  10. Excessive tail swishing

Some mares will show more signs than others. In breeding, a teaser stallion may be used to see how the mare responds and track her cycle. Mares are usually most fertile around the end of June, but will cycle from early spring to early fall.

mares COWGIRL magazine
Two horses sniffing each other. Photo by Scott Ymker.

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