WILLCOCK
New User
What age is best for a colt to begin covering mares ? Have read that they will start as yearlings is this advisable ?
Colt maturity
- Thread starter WILLCOCK
- Start date
Casey76
Well-Known Member
As the owner of a mare, I would be wanting a stallion to be fully mature (6 years +) to properly gauge conformation and temperament, and preferably to have a proven competition record.
The Fuzzy Furry
Old Timer
Anytime from a few months onwards.
Some precocious colts will even try to cover their dam before weaning.
I wouldn't keep a weanling colt (5 to 6 months) out with the opposite sex, full stop. It just removes any possible temptations and games getting out of hand behind the bike sheds.
Usually its best to wait till a stallion (not colt) has been inspected (if required by a breed society) or had at least reached the spring of its 3rd year. This means you can see more clearly the type of horse/pony he is and how his temperament is developing.
I would never ever intentionally use a colt as a yearling for covering.
Some precocious colts will even try to cover their dam before weaning.
I wouldn't keep a weanling colt (5 to 6 months) out with the opposite sex, full stop. It just removes any possible temptations and games getting out of hand behind the bike sheds.
Usually its best to wait till a stallion (not colt) has been inspected (if required by a breed society) or had at least reached the spring of its 3rd year. This means you can see more clearly the type of horse/pony he is and how his temperament is developing.
I would never ever intentionally use a colt as a yearling for covering.