Season of the Year in which to Breed Horses
Season of the Year in Which to Breed Horses
Mares breed naturally in early spring. At this season their breeding condition is more readily observed and they more frequently conceive than at any other time of the year. The spring of the year is the natural breeding season.
Spring foals
When convenient, the spring is the desirable time to breed the mare. This season has many advantages. Not only is the mare's breeding condition more readily noted, but her chances of conceiving are much greater and the foal comes at a time when it is much more easily managed. The housing is simplified; if the weather is warm, the mare and the foal may be turned into a small paddock or a pasture. The grass that she eats will serve to keep her in good physical condition and to stimulate the flow of milk. This practice gives the foal the range of the field, so that it may take the much-needed exercise without which no foal can develop endurance. Soon the foal will learn to nibble the grass, and this will prove beneficial, for grass is a good supplement to milk for a suckling colt. If the foal is given a little grain at the same time that the dam receives her ration, it will thrive and develop more quickly than will a fall colt.
The chief objection to a spring colt is that it must be weaned in the fall just about the time of going on dry feed. At this time the colt must receive extra feed and attention, or it will lose flesh and its future development and usefulness may be retarded.
Fall foals
When fall foals are to be raised the mares should be bred so as to foal as soon as convenient after the season's work, provided the foals do not come when flies are especially annoying. The time of breeding and other details will be modified by circumstances.
While the mare is not so likely to breed in the fall as in the spring, yet by increasing the food, especially the grain ration, by blanketing, and by moderate and regular exercise, the desired results can often be attained. The bowels should be kept free from constipation by feeding moderate amounts of succulent food. Conditions should be made as springlike as possible.
If the foal comes in the winter it will need extra warm quarters and extra attention. The dam will need milk-producing foods, such as clover or alfalfa hay, oats, bran, and a few carrots. She should be exercised regularly. If the breeder feeds succulent food, such as carrots, and provides sufficient exercise for mare and foal, it is possible to raise a winter colt that will be a strong rival to the average spring colt.
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