Because of the gestation period of horses and the organization of races by age, the breeding season runs from February to July 4, roughly. Mare owners, a somewhat obsessive group by nature, want to get an early jump on the competition by breeding their mares as early as possible.

What month do you breed a mare?

Mares are at their most fertile in the spring and early summer and the gestation time is about 11 months. So a breeding in September or October can result in an August or September foal. It is safest to have a foal in the spring before the weather gets too hot.

What time of year should you breed your horse?

Most breeders agree that the ideal time for a foal to be born is between May and July, when most grass is available to help the mare's milk supply. Since equine pregnancies run around 11 months, this generally means that an owner will want to get a mare in foal as early in the Spring as possible.