Mares Heat Cycles

Question
Hello there,

At my barn we have a 17 yr. old Appy mare who has been in season (or showing signs) year round.  She follows gelding along the fence - winks, lifts her tail, squats and basically seem to be in season throughout the year.  This is a recent development - as she cycled normally prior to this year.  As we live in VA, and have a real winter I thought this was unusal.  Horses, to my knowledge are long day breeders.  What would cause this constant behavior (ovarian cysts)?  Also, do older mare ever stop going into heat - do they ever experience what we call menopause?  I know of older mares that have been bred into their 20s.  Thanks for your time :-)

Answer
Hello! Horses can come in season year round especially if they are around a stallion or a gelding who is proud cut. Also if there are any other mares in season around her-she will also come into heat.Older mares that we have owned in the past and present still come into heat into their mid 30's. We have a mare now who looks like a 2 year old, but shes 35-She comes in heat regularly and we actually got a foal off of her 2 years ago. I hope this helps. thanks!