juments

Jument is the French term for a female horse, specifically an adult horse used for breeding, riding, or work. The plural juments refers to several such animals. In English-language contexts, the closest equivalent is mare, while filly denotes a young female horse.

Adult juments typically reach reproductive maturity after a period of growth, commonly around 2 to 4 years, depending on breed and management. A jument’s reproductive cycle begins at puberty, and breeding decisions are guided by health, conditioning, and veterinary advice. Estrous cycles in mares are usually about 21 days during the breeding season, with estrus lasting several days in many individuals. Gestation lasts about 11 months, and foaling most often occurs in the spring or early summer. After foaling, mares may become pregnant again in subsequent seasons, subject to health and management.

Care and management: juments require regular veterinary care, vaccination, dental work, hoof maintenance, parasite control, and appropriate nutrition. Reproductive health must be monitored for conditions such as endometritis, uterine infections, or other issues that can affect fertility or general well-being. Training and conditioning for mares can differ from geldings or stallions, and breeding mares require planning around foaling, insemination, and sometimes embryo transfer in specialized settings.

Cultural context: the term appears most often in French-language texts and discussions of horses, breeding, and equestrian culture. In English-language usage, jument is typically translated as mare. See also: mare, equine reproduction, horse care.