Cross Breeds

Does a long spell of bad weather cause wild Horses to give birth later?

Hi will a long spell of colder weather (than normal) cause wild Horses to give birth to their foals later than normal? the horses in question being wild ones in the new forest (UK) cheers

Public Comments

1. A horses gestation is 340 days, about 11 months and most foalings occur around the May time when the grass has started to grow, giving the mares more chance to produce better milk and when the weather is usually warmer. Unlike some animals, horses can't hold back their births and when they are due, it happens. Because the new forest ponies are pretty much left to run wild, although hay is put out for them in really poor weather, their natural breeding cycle is as natural as possible.