How do they grow up so quickly? What factors contribute to faster “growing up” in some than others? Why do some fillies have their first foals at 2 when I have at least one 3-year-old and one 4-year-old that haven’t foaled yet (neither ever pregnant, as far as I’m aware)?
Last year, soon after Cinch stole Liberty (I doubt she was a difficult conquest), I saw him breed her – in September. I had cause to look back in my notes to see exactly when that was because there was some question about her being pregnant within the last month or so. I think she must certainly be pregnant – for a normal spring baby.
If it’s the lengthening days that trigger mares to come into heat and become receptive to conception, what about these waning days would make long yearlings come into heat? Winona was practically begging to be bred … and he finally obliged her. I hope she follows the pattern Liberty set – in heat but not yet ready to conceive.
Winona and baby Deniz (Grey/Traveler x Houdini).
What makes some yearling fillies leave their families (Winona … orphan Liberty … Hannah … Sable …) and some stay much longer (Gaia was almost 3 before she left; Reya, 4, is still with her mother)? Band dynamics? Individual hormones? Simple random opportunity (or not)?
Deniz was very curious about the newcomer, and ‘Nona mostly tolerated her. She has quite an attitude, though, and considers herself – already – quite high up the pecking order. Though Houdini ignored her, the only one ‘Nona submitted to was Terra, Grey’s eldest (2). Gemma is the same age and readily backed down to Winona, as did 2-year-old Corona.
From left: Terra (2), Winona (1), baby Deniz and Grey/Traveler.
Whatever else, our beloved Traveler is still in his prime – still stealing mares (Corona and Winona this year)!