Equine reproductive physiology

Equine reproductive physiology refers to the biological processes involved in horse reproduction. Mares (female horses) have a reproductive cycle known as the estrous cycle, which lasts about 21 days and includes various phases where they may be in heat, or estrus, when they are receptive to mating. Stallions (male horses) produce sperm and are generally fertile year-round. Successful reproduction involves the mating of a stallion and a mare, leading to fertilization of the egg and the development of the fetus over a gestation period of about 11 months before the mare gives birth to a foal.