horse breeding

Question
How long should you wait after a foal is born before breeding that mare again?

Answer
Hi Kari,

How long to wait after breeding a mare who has just had a foal is usually one of personal preference for the mare owner.

A lot of breeders will, unfortunately, breed the mare as soon as she comes into heat after having her baby, which can be 5-7 days after giving birth, which is called a "foal heat."  Some breeders wait for the second heat after the foal is born, which is called a "30 day heat."

Personally, I have always given my mares a year off.  I do not breed them again until the following breeding season after they have had a foal.  I believe the mare's body needs time to recover.  Not only that, but while the mare is nursing her foal, she is using a lot of her own reserves and I do not believe it is healthy for the growing fetus or the mare.  Her body is already giving up a lot to nurse the foal she currently has.

Hope that helps.
Sandy