How do I know when my miniature horse is in heat?

Question

I wanted to breed my miniature horse this spring but it doesn't seem like she's been in heat yet. How can I tell when she is? And is she too old to breed (she's 8) or is it too late in spring?

Answer 1

Season- thats what it's called.

Answer 2

You don't have to wait for her to be in heat :\

Well. Usually they squirt...and tail is to side...and theyre irratable...and jerks...and yaknow :\

Answer 3

in my experience with mini's when you lift up her tail there should be a mucous discharge and she will constantly trying to impress any male horse you have, and may lift her tail up higher than normal

Answer 4

8 is very young! My instructor has an 18 year old and they are expecting a few more foals from her! A horse can have a foal at any time

Answer 5

She is definitely not too old to breed.

She might get moody while in heat, frequently lift her tail and flex her v****a particularly in the prescense of a stallion, and call alot.  She should also leak fluid from the back end.

It might be worth leaving her with a stallion to run free.  Just keep an eye on her.

Answer 6

Its not to late my horse went into heat maybe 5 days ago and boy the biggest thing is discharge, and the attitude change. So difficult to work with...You can breed at anytime.

Answer 7

8 its young they can breed up to 14-15 for a first foal and first from the age of about 2 she wil squirt eitha b fizzy or slow pee alot nd try get the attention of male horses she will have her tail lifted espesialy in there presence nd squirt also she might have that squirty stuff around her backend back legs or cover it smells bad nd looks sticky

Answer 8

Eight is a very good age for a first foal.  It's not too late to breed unless you want to show the foal as a weanling/yearling/2 year old.  The extra months earlier foals have to develop will give them an advantage in showing, but healthwise it's not that important.

The common signs of estrus (heat):  turning the rear towards another horse, lifting tailto side, squatting a bit, and "winking" - everting the v****a and squirting a little smelly pee.

Many mares don't show a lot of signs of heat.  A healthy mare should have been in heat by now, so she's probably one of those (that's generally a good thing! except when you're breeding).

More subtle signs:  spending more time with a different companion than usual.  Spending more time at the fence with other horses.  Standing with her rump towards others, particularly across the fence.  Calling to other horses, and vocalizing - anything from wuffly noises to squeals.

Ultimately, you may need to use a "teaser" stallion - a less expensive horse who's always raring to go.  Stallions always know, and the teasers do the foreplay so she's ready for the real stud.  If you're using your own stallion, just turn them out together and see what happens.  He won't breed her until she's ready and accepting, because she won't let him.

The worst thing you can do is tie her up and let the stallion do it when she's not ready.  That's rape, and if she's not in heat she won't conceive anyway.  Always let the mare decide when she's ready.