10/04/2026
It’s almost time to put your mares under lights!
If you’re planning to breed for the 2027 season, November 1 is a date to have on your calendar.
Putting mares under lights is one of the easiest things you can do now to start preparing them for breeding season.
Mares are seasonal breeders, and increasing their exposure to light helps mimic those longer spring days. The goal is to provide about 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness each day.
There are several different ways to accomplish this depending on your setup:
• Equilume light masks – a great option for mares living outside or in a pasture
• Stall lighting – works well for mares that are stalled
• Exterior lights in the field – allows mares to stay turned out while still getting the additional hours of light they need
And if you don’t want to purchase a light mask, I offer Equilume mask rentals for the mares currently living at the farm! This is a great option if you only need the mask for breeding season or want to try the system without purchasing one.
The important part is consistency. It’s not about making the barn bright for a few hours here and there. The mare needs that consistent extended daylight to give her body the signal that spring is coming.
If you’re breeding next year, don’t wait until January to start thinking about your lighting program. Start November 1. It’s always a bummer to have to tell clients we will have to wait until April/May to start breeding.
