Genre: Information/Explanation

REPRODUCTION IN MINIS Breeding for Conformation & Refinement The objective of our breeding program is to contribute toward improving the Miniature Horse breed . Therefore , careful consideration is given to best determine the most probable characteristics of foals resulting from each potential breeding . We consider each mare's individual characteristics to determine which stallion is the ideal match for her . Every horse has it 's strong points and it 's less than perfect features , whether a beloved pet or a National Grand Champion . Our breeding program includes some top quality horses to which we are continuously adding . Even with the most conscientious planning & considerations , there are no absolute guarantees . We may occasionally have foals available for purchase that are less than show quality but would make wonderful , loving pets and are priced accordingly . The Broodmare If you are considering a breeding program , breed only healthy , quality , mature miniature horse stock . Following a regular worming and vaccination schedule is a necessity . Rely on your vet's advice as different areas have different requirements . Good Quality hay and feed are also necessary to produce the best miniature horses . Breeding miniature horses requires a substantial investment as well as the breeder's time , especially during foaling season . Mares should be 3 years of age before producing although some larger 2 year olds have been bred without any problems . Breeders should always consider the temperament , height and conformation of the Mare as well as the Stallion . It may be the mare , not the stallion , in many cases that determines the height and conformation of the foal . A good miniature horse breeder maintains accurate records of the Get of Sires and Produce of Dams to determine which Stallions and Mares should be used in the breeding program . Not all mares and not all stallions are suitable for breeding . The gestation period of the miniature mare is 330 days , plus or minus fifteen days . Some mares will foal in 10 months and some will carry a full 12 months . Abnormal gestation periods are often characteristic of that particular mare but we feel the weather may also be a factor . The premature foal is likely to be smaller and require special attention , while the 12 month foal may be born measuring 23 inches instead of the average 18 to 21 . Often a 12 month foal will have more hair than usual . The 10-month foal and the 12-month foal may well be the same size by 6 months of age since heredity is the determining factor . Foals are generally born from March through June because mares usually start to cycle during the spring and summer as the length of day increases . The heat cycle is dependent on the number of hours of light - natural or artificial . The reproductive process usually begins in February-March , but the heat cycles are irregular . The highest conception rates in horses is in April to July , consequently , most births will be from March to June the next year . Some breeders , for a variety of reasons , use artificial lighting and heated barns to alter the normal cycling period . Once mares begin to cycle normally , there is a fertile time when the mare will accept the male for breeding . This period of estrus , " heat " or " season , " occurs every 21 days on average . Most mares are in heat for about 5-7 days and most mares will come in season 5 to 7 days after foaling , in what horse people call the " foal heat . " Unless the mare experienced difficulty in foaling , or for some other reason , there is no reason why she should not be rebred at this time . Ovulation occurs 24-48 hours before the end of estrus . In order for conception to occur , the male sperm must be present at this time . Therefore , the timing of breeding or insemination is very difficult to determine in the mare . Most importantly , you must know your mare . She may cycle every 24 days or perhaps the duration of her heat cycle may only be 3 days . You must be observant and recognize when your mare is in heat . A mare coming into standing heat will show signs of increased activity and excitability . She will urinate frequently , carry her tail raised and occasionally show a " vulva winking , " opening and closing the outer lips of the vulva . Once the mare will stand to be bred ( standing heat ) , she will often back up to the stallion , as opposed to when not in heat , she may have kicked or bitten at him . The reproductive tract becomes a brighter reddish color as the circulation is increased , mucous excretion becomes more active , and the cervix is open . It is essential to tease a mare daily with a stallion or sometimes even a gelding to detect the onset of estrus . This is one of the biggest problems for the mare owner who plans to breed to a stallion located elsewhere . People wanting to start a Miniature Horse breeding program can either purchase a proven mature stallion or a young colt that could develop into a breeding stallion in a year or so . ( Young colts are generally not as expensive as a mature stallion . ) This is usually dictated by how much money one is prepared to spend and how soon they want to start their program . Some owners arrange to breed their mare to a stallion owned by someone else , in which case they deliver the mare to the owner of the stallion , planning to leave her for 30 to 45 days , allowing time for two heat cycles . If you are booking your mare to be bred to someone else 's stallion , the stallion owner will advise you as to what he requires with respect to health examinations , vaccinations , and cultures of the mare's reproductive tract . These are technical medical procedures to be performed by your veterinarian . Many breeders " pasture breed " ; that is , they put a stallion with certain mares , leaving them together for the spring and early summer . The conception rate can be higher , but one seldom knows exactly when to expect the foals and some stallions may reject some mares , and vice versa for reasons known only to them . Pregnancy can be ascertained as early as two weeks by a variety of tests available to your veterinarian , the most certain of which is ultrasound , but a confirmed pregnancy does not insure a foal every year . The mare may abort , undetected , or may reabsorb the fetus . Most breeders are guided by the heat cycle : if the mare is serviced by a stallion and does not recycle in about 24 days , they consider her to be in foal . Most mares will begin to show signs of being " in foal " at about eight months , while some maiden mares may keep their figure a little longer . Udder development will be discernable about four weeks prior to foaling . During the last week , the foal will drop in the abdomen and this change in the mare's appearance will be noticeable . At about 48-72 hours before foaling the mare will begin dripping milk ( known as colostrum ) from her teats . This fluid will dry and harden on the teats - known as " waxing over . " Usually in the last 24 hours before foaling the mare may show signs of distress . She may stay apart from the other horses , bite at her flanks , paw , lie down and get up frequently , whether in a stall or paddock . She should be put in a stall measuring at least 8 ' x 8 ' at night so that she can be observed . We prefer shavings ( for absorption ) under a good layer of straw for bedding in the foaling pen . If nothing else is available , newspapers might be an option to provide cleanliness and warmth . Generally , mares prefer no human company during foaling , so unless you are observing the horse on a monitor , it is likely you will miss the miracle of birth . The actual birth process usually takes 5-20 minutes . If a mare has been in labor longer than 20 minutes there could very well be a problem so you should call your vet . In a normal birth a balloon-like membrane , or bubble will appear . This will break and release about a half-gallon of fluid . Within a few minutes , one forefoot should appear , then the other forefoot . This sequence means that one shoulder at a time is passing through the cervix , which is much easier on the mare . Then the head appears , tucked between the forelegs . Once the head and shoulders are clear , the rest is quickly passed . The birth track is circular and down , and any assistance given the mare should be within that track . Never try to pull a foal straight out or up , and do n't try to use a calf-puller or other traction device on a mare . If the mare is having difficulty , call your veterinarian ! A delay , even of several hours may risk losing the foal , and the mare as well . If all has gone well , the foal will be on the ground , still attached by its umbilical cord to the placenta . The head should be free of the sac and the foal should be breathing . If so , leave them alone , for the foal is still receiving blood from the placenta , and the mare is resting . If the nostrils are not clear of the sac , tear the sac open so the head is free . Making certain that the foal emerges from the " bag " may well be one of the most important reasons for being present at the birth . In five to ten minutes , the foal will begin trying to stand . Leave it alone . It will struggle and fall several times . This is normal . It will be on its feet in about fifteen minutes , often before the mare stands . During its struggle to stand , the umbilical cord will break , and the foal will be free , but the mare will not have expelled the placenta yet , and may not do so for another half hour or so . If the placenta is not expelled within four hours , call your vet . The foal's umbilical stump should be disinfected with an iodine solution or other prescribed disinfectant . It is crucial that the foal receive colostrum from its Dam , usually within the first 12 hours after birth . The colostrum it receives during the next twenty-four hours contains the anti-bodies necessary for the foal's immune system . If the foal has not nursed or if it is obvious that the Mare has no milk or colostrum , call your vet immediately . Steps can be taken to insure that the foal receives the proper protection , but it must be done while the foal is still susceptible to accepting colostrum . There are colostrum replacements on the market today that can be administered to the foal by iv or orally . A plasma transfer that can supply the newborn foal with antibodies can be performed if the foal is 12 hours or older and has not received adequate colostrum from its Dam . It is important to be on hand when the foal is born to make first-hand observations and to take the necessary steps if required . A foal is usually up and nursing within the first 2 hours . Most births are without incidence , and are truly an awesome experience to witness but one should be prepared to assist just in case , that 1-10 % strikes . Many vets recommend that the foal be wormed at one month of age and every month thereafter for the first year . Alternate worming products in order to prevent a resistance to a particular wormer . A vaccination is also required for the young foal . Set up a proper schedule with your vet . The Breeding Stallion For many , their first miniature horse was a young stallion , bought because it satisfied the urge to have a miniature horse and was also affordable . The new owner might have intended to geld the colt but never got around to it , or perhaps , decided that it was such a well behaved horse , and such a good specimen , that it should be kept as a breeding stallion . Everyone knows that you ca n't stop at one mini . A mare is often purchased with thoughts of having babies . Stallions are generally able to breed at 2 years , however , most Stallions should be at least 3 before being introduced as a small herd stallion . When outlining a breeding program , breeders should consider the temperament of the stallion , his height , conformation , and his pedigree . Producing color may also be an important factor to a breeder . Health is vital for a breeding stallion . He must be disease-free , and should be free of parasites . An effective worming program is essential , as is a daily exercise program for stallions kept in a stall . The pent-up energy , coupled with the frustration of being stalled , can lead to behavioral problems and refusal to perform in the breeding shed . The easiest form of exercise ( for the handler ) is free exercise - turn him loose in a spacious paddock , and watch him run , mane and tail flying . Watch him buck and cavort ; he may continue for thirty minutes . Then work him for another thirty minutes on a lead line or lunge line , or put him on a hot walker . A vigorous exercise program , in addition to physiological soundness and control , will increase the libido or sex-drive without causing control problems . It is the unexercised , undisciplined horse that causes problems , and not because his libido is high , but because he is out of his stall and intends to make the most of it . The exercised stallion works up an appetite and usually consumes his total daily ration . Whereas , good nutrition increases the number and motility of the sperm and exercise reduces boredom and the resultant stall vices such as cribbing , eating bedding , and masturbation . Additionally , exercise increases owner satisfaction because the horse looks better due to increased muscle tone , adequate sunlight , and that air of well-being which results . Many Miniature Horse owners pasture breed , that is , they put one stallion in a pasture with the mares that are to be bred to him . Most stallions perform well , but the stallion must be in excellent condition when turned out because he will lose weight worrying about and herding his harem from one area to another , keeping them rounded up and together . That is but one reason supplemental feeding is recommended . The horse owner never stops learning from experience and reading , but once " hooked " has a world of