How many foals do Banker horses usually have?

Introduction: Banker horses & their history

Banker horses, also known as the Banker ponies, are a rare breed of feral horses that originate from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They are believed to have descended from Spanish horses that were shipwrecked on the island in the 16th century. The Banker horses have adapted to living in a harsh environment with limited resources, making them resilient and hardy.

Due to their small population size and genetic uniqueness, Banker horses are listed as a critically endangered breed by the Livestock Conservancy. Efforts are being made to preserve and protect the breed, and understanding their reproduction is crucial in achieving this goal.

Reproduction of Banker horses: mare & stallion

Banker horses reach sexual maturity between the ages of two to three years old. The breeding season for Banker horses begins in late spring and continues through early fall. During this time, stallions will gather a group of mares and attempt to mate with them.

Mares are polyestrous, meaning they can have multiple estrus cycles throughout the breeding season. They will come into estrus every 18-23 days and can remain receptive to mating for two to seven days. If a mare is successfully bred, she will carry the foal for around 11 months.