In the cold months many mares show no signs of heat. But as the days grow longer and the temperature climbs mares have more obvious signs of heat. Every mare is different but they have a cycle about once every 4 to 6 weeks on average. Some mares have cycles closer together, some not as often. If the mare is bred and becomes pregnant she will have no more heat cycles until what is called 'foal heat' after her foal is born.
A Mares' offspring is called a "Foal".
a foal
A foal.
No more than fillys or any other foal.
Mares come into a foal heat within a week or 10 days after foaling. In the wild, it's not uncommon for a stallion to breed with a mare in foal heat, however a mare may be reluctant because of the foal's presence. She might not show any signs of heat either.
Young mares with uncomplicated births (single foal, normal presentation of foal, no difficulties expelling foal or placenta, no signs of infection) can potentially be bred on foal heat, which can begin as early as 6 days post foaling. Breeding on the foal heat is usually only successful if the mare ovulates 10 days or longer after foaling. This period gives the uterus time to "clean" and involute (return to normal size). Older mares who have had a number of foals (multiparous) require more work to get in foal during foal heat and are often bred on the first full heat which can begin as early as 26 days post foaling.
Yes, and occasionally mares will swap foals. A mare stealing a foal is often problematic since the mare may not be lactating.
I belive not! Unless they are an asexual.
A foal is usually only called a foal for a year. Then they are called yearlings.
Younger mares and mares with good uterine characteristics tend to foal earlier than older mares. With age the uterus tends to be compromised to a greater or lesser degree which slows the development of the foal and increases gestation.
for all mares, they are in foal about 11 months