How long does it take?

mark · 09-12-07, 08:08 AM

Reading the post about breeding or buying got me thinking. How long is a horse pregnant anyway? Guess I never really thought about it before.

cherokeemyluv · 09-13-07, 03:49 PM

Horse gestation is roughly 11 months. The heartbeat can be detected at about 21 days and most of the growth takes place in the last three months. After about a month the foal (baby horse) can eat hay and grain and they are weaned from their dam (mom) at 4-8 months.

So as you can see if one were to breed their own "perfect mount" you'd have to wait almost a year before even seeing the horse, and then another couple years before the horse can safely carry weight (usually between 2-4 years).

fotog · 09-13-07, 04:59 PM

11 months is a couple months too many for me, if I am reincarnated into a horse.

I think its amazing how some animals are born, esp. the horse. What would I search, the term that is, for more information on learning to breed. Do you have any suggestions? Its something I'm looking into as we might end up with a farm one day (soon).

cherokeemyluv · 09-14-07, 03:08 PM

Try horse breeding or gestation. I know you can normally find a decent amount of info on basic things on wikipedia, but advice from local breeders and your vet is also a big help. Its especially helpful when you have something come up the first time you try. Los of breeders have been in the business for years, and often their parents were too so the amount of knowledge thats passed down is immense. They might also keep you company that last few days when you're waiting for the foal. Mares love to give birth in that five minutes you go for a bathroom break or cup of coffee.

dcrivers · 09-15-07, 12:48 AM

I agree with you fotog. 11 months is a bit longer than I would like carry all that extra weight. By the end of the 9th month, I was getting real tired of being pregnant. Would hate to think about having 2 more months to go.

mark · 09-15-07, 02:25 AM

Thanks. I was thinking it was a long time. Figured it probably had to be longer than with people. But at least, it's not as long as it is for an elephant. They're like 18 month, I think.

Yeah, I don't think I would want to wait that long to see my new horse. Then have to wait another 2 to 4 years before being able to ride it. Too long for my patience.

09-12-07, 08:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
mark Member Join Date: 09-06-07 Posts: 25	How long does it take? Reading the post about breeding or buying got me thinking. How long is a horse pregnant anyway? Guess I never really thought about it before.

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09-13-07, 03:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
cherokeemyluv Member Join Date: 09-08-07 Posts: 51	Horse gestation is roughly 11 months. The heartbeat can be detected at about 21 days and most of the growth takes place in the last three months. After about a month the foal (baby horse) can eat hay and grain and they are weaned from their dam (mom) at 4-8 months. So as you can see if one were to breed their own "perfect mount" you'd have to wait almost a year before even seeing the horse, and then another couple years before the horse can safely carry weight (usually between 2-4 years).

09-13-07, 04:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
fotog Member Join Date: 09-01-07 Posts: 25	11 months is a couple months too many for me, if I am reincarnated into a horse. I think its amazing how some animals are born, esp. the horse. What would I search, the term that is, for more information on learning to breed. Do you have any suggestions? Its something I'm looking into as we might end up with a farm one day (soon).

09-14-07, 03:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
cherokeemyluv Member Join Date: 09-08-07 Posts: 51	Try horse breeding or gestation. I know you can normally find a decent amount of info on basic things on wikipedia, but advice from local breeders and your vet is also a big help. Its especially helpful when you have something come up the first time you try. Los of breeders have been in the business for years, and often their parents were too so the amount of knowledge thats passed down is immense. They might also keep you company that last few days when you're waiting for the foal. Mares love to give birth in that five minutes you go for a bathroom break or cup of coffee.

09-15-07, 12:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
dcrivers Member Join Date: 08-10-07 Posts: 35	I agree with you fotog. 11 months is a bit longer than I would like carry all that extra weight. By the end of the 9th month, I was getting real tired of being pregnant. Would hate to think about having 2 more months to go.

09-15-07, 02:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
mark Member Join Date: 09-06-07 Posts: 25	Thanks. I was thinking it was a long time. Figured it probably had to be longer than with people. But at least, it's not as long as it is for an elephant. They're like 18 month, I think. Yeah, I don't think I would want to wait that long to see my new horse. Then have to wait another 2 to 4 years before being able to ride it. Too long for my patience.