How To Milk A Horse: A Step-by-Step Guide

Yes, you can milk a horse. Milking a horse, technically known as equine mammary gland expression, is possible, though it is much rarer than milking cows or goats. Mare’s milk is rich and nutrient-dense, primarily sought after for specialized health uses or for feeding orphaned foals.

Why Milking a Mare is Uncommon

Most people do not milk horses. It is not common practice. Cows produce large volumes of milk consistently. Mares produce far less milk. This makes large-scale milk harvesting very difficult. Horse milk is typically only collected when there is a specific need. This need often relates to foal health or human therapeutic use.

The Unique Nature of Mare’s Milk

Mare’s milk differs greatly from cow’s milk. It is lower in fat. It is higher in lactose (milk sugar). This makes it taste quite different. It is often thinner than what people expect from dairy.

Component	Mare’s Milk (Approx.)	Cow’s Milk (Approx.)
Fat Content	1.0% – 2.0%	3.5% – 4.0%
Lactose Content	6.0% – 7.0%	4.5% – 5.0%
Protein Content	2.0% – 3.0%	3.0% – 3.5%

Horse Udder Anatomy and Function

To successfully milk a mare, you must know her anatomy. The mare’s udder is key to mare lactation techniques.

Locating the Udder

The mare’s udder sits between her back legs. It hangs below her belly. It is usually smaller than a dairy cow’s udder. It has two distinct halves, called quarters.

Milk Collection Points

Milk is stored in the cistern of the udder. It travels down through ducts. These ducts end at the teats. The teats are where the milk comes out. They are smaller than the teats on cows. This affects how you must approach horse milk harvesting methods.

Milk Let-Down Reflex

Just like other mammals, a mare needs a ‘let-down’ reflex to release milk. This is controlled by the hormone oxytocin. Stress stops this reflex. A calm mare gives milk easily. A stressed mare holds her milk tight.

Preparing for Equine Mammary Gland Expression

Preparation is crucial for success. A calm environment helps the mare relax. This ensures the milk let-down happens.

Timing the Milking

Mares are only milked when they are lactating. This usually starts right after giving birth. The first milk, colostrum, is vital.

Extracting Colostrum from Mares

Extracting colostrum from mares is the most common reason for milking. Colostrum is thick and yellowish. It is full of antibodies. These antibodies protect the newborn foal. If a foal cannot nurse, this milk must be collected quickly.

Creating a Calm Setting

A quiet space is a must. Loud noises scare the mare. Strange people can cause anxiety. Use familiar handlers. Work slowly and gently.

Necessary Equipment

You need a few simple tools for hand milking.

Clean bucket or container. Make sure it is sterile.
Warm water and mild soap for cleaning.
Clean cloths or paper towels.
A helper, if possible, to keep the mare still.

Step-by-Step Guide to Milking a Mare

This process requires patience. Manual versus mechanical horse milking heavily favors manual methods due to low yields and udder sensitivity.

Step 1: Cleaning the Udder and Teats

Hygiene is very important. Dirty milk can cause illness in the foal or the person drinking it.

Wash your hands well.
Use warm, soapy water to clean the entire udder area.
Rinse the soap off completely with clean water.
Dry the udder and teats gently with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Stimulating Milk Let-Down

You need the mare to release the milk. This takes time.

Start by gently stroking the udder.
Talk to the mare in a soft voice.
Wait five to ten minutes. You might see small drops of milk appear. This shows the let-down reflex is starting.

Step 3: Hand Milking Technique

The teat structure of a mare is small. You cannot use the strong stripping motion used on cows.

Hold the base of the teat gently but firmly. Use your thumb and forefinger.
Curl your fingers down the teat in sequence. This means closing your middle finger, then your ring finger, then your pinky finger. This pushes the milk down.
Keep the first two fingers relaxed slightly.
Draw the milk into the collection bucket placed below.
Use a steady, gentle rhythm. Do not yank or pull the teat. This can hurt the mare.

Step 4: Managing Milk Flow

Mares often only give small amounts at a time. They may need breaks.

Milk one side until the flow slows greatly.
Move to the other side and repeat the gentle squeezing action.
Go back to the first side. The rest period might let the mare release more milk.
Keep the milking sessions short, maybe 10 to 15 minutes total.

Step 5: Post-Milking Care

After milking, take care of the udder.

Wipe the teats clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Do not use harsh dips unless advised by a vet. The mare’s skin is sensitive.

Utilizing Mare’s Milk: Applications and Needs

Why go through the trouble of equine mammary gland expression? There are specific uses.

Feeding Foals Orphaned Mare’s Milk

The most crucial use is feeding foals orphaned mare’s milk. If a mother dies or cannot nurse, the foal needs a substitute.

Colostrum First: If it is within 12-24 hours of birth, prioritize colostrum collection.
Milk Replacement: Fresh or frozen mare’s milk is the best alternative diet for an orphaned foal. It matches the foal’s digestive needs better than cow’s milk.

Therapeutic Use of Mare’s Milk

Some cultures and alternative health circles value mare’s milk for human consumption. This is the therapeutic use of mare’s milk.

It is often used by people with severe dairy allergies, especially to cow’s milk casein.
It is sometimes touted for gut health benefits due to its high lactose content.
Note: Scientific evidence supporting many human therapeutic claims is limited. Always consult a doctor before using it as medicine.

The Challenges of Milking a Mare

Milking horses is hard work. Many factors contribute to the challenges of milking a mare.

Low Yields

Mares produce much less milk than cows. A mare might yield only 1 to 4 liters per day, spread across several milking sessions. Compare this to a dairy cow producing 30 liters daily. This low output makes commercial farming impractical.

Mare Temperament and Training

Horses are prey animals. They naturally fear restraint. Teaching a mare to accept milking takes time.

If the mare has a history of trauma, milking can be impossible.
She needs to associate the milking process with positive, calm experiences.

Physical Difficulty

The small teats and the mare’s natural tendency to kick or move make the physical act of milking difficult for the milker.

Milk Storage and Safety

Mare’s milk spoils very quickly at room temperature. If you collect it for later use, you must chill or freeze it immediately. Proper sterilization of all equipment is non-negotiable to prevent bacterial growth.

Advanced Horse Milk Harvesting Methods

While hand milking is standard, some seek ways to improve efficiency, especially when extracting colostrum from mares quickly.

Mechanical Milking Attempts

Can machines be used? Yes, but rarely. Specialized, very small vacuum milkers exist. These must be custom-fitted.

Standard cow milking clusters will cause severe damage to the mare’s sensitive teats.
The suction settings must be extremely low.
Most owners find that the mare resists mechanical milking more than gentle hand expression.

Stimulation Techniques Beyond Basic Handling

If a mare is nervous, vets sometimes use mild stimulation techniques. This is often related to procedures like artificial insemination mare stimulation, where tactile stimulation is already familiar.

Gentle massage around the flank or perineal area can sometimes aid the let-down reflex if basic stroking fails.
This should only be done by someone experienced with mare handling.

Maintaining Lactation for Future Use

Sometimes, milk is needed for a longer period, perhaps for a foal that needs supplemental feeding for weeks.

Keeping the Mare Lactating

If the foal is not nursing well, you may need to maintain milk supply manually.

Milk the mare at least three to four times a day.
Ensure the teats are stripped completely during each session. Incomplete milking signals the body to slow down production.

Freezing and Storing Mare’s Milk

Mare’s milk freezes very well.

Use sterile plastic bags or small, freezer-safe containers.
Label clearly with the date.
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator, not quickly in hot water.
Never refreeze milk that has been thawed.

Specialized Scenarios

When the Mare Will Not Let Down Milk

This is a common frustration. If the mare is too stressed, her body blocks milk release.

Move her to a quieter location.
Have the helper stand far away or leave the stall entirely.
Use familiar, gentle tactile stimulation for a longer period (up to 20 minutes).
If the foal needs the milk urgently, a veterinarian may need to administer a mild oxytocin injection to force the let-down reflex. This is a last resort.

Milking Mares Used in Breeding Programs

When working with breeding stock, safety overrides speed. Any attempt at equine mammary gland expression must respect the mare’s breeding cycle and temperament. Never approach a nervous mare immediately after foaling without extreme caution.

Mare Milk Composition Deep Dive

To truly grasp why this milk is special, look closer at its components.

Protein Profile

Mare milk proteins differ from cow milk. They are closer to human milk proteins. This means they form a softer curd in the stomach. This makes digestion easier for very young or compromised systems, like a sick foal or an allergic human infant.

Sugar Content

The high lactose level is significant. Lactose is important for gut health in young mammals. It feeds good bacteria in the digestive tract. This is one reason mare’s milk is sometimes favored over goat or cow milk for sensitive systems.

Conclusion: A Specialized Task

Milking a horse is a highly specialized task. It is born out of necessity, not convenience. Success depends on gentle handling, patience, and respect for horse udder anatomy and function. Whether feeding foals orphaned mare’s milk or exploring the niche therapeutic use of mare’s milk, approaching the process calmly ensures the best outcome for both the mare and the recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much milk can you get from a horse in one session?

A horse typically produces between 30 ml to 200 ml (about 1 to 7 ounces) in a single, successful milking session. This varies widely based on the stage of lactation and the mare’s disposition.

How often should I milk a lactating mare?

During peak lactation, you should milk the mare three to four times a day. This frequency helps maintain the milk supply and ensures the foal (or the collection need) is met regularly.

Is mare’s milk safe for humans to drink?

Yes, mare’s milk is generally considered safe for human consumption, especially if sourced from a healthy mare and collected under clean conditions. Some people use it because they are allergic to cow’s milk. However, always ensure the mare is healthy and not on any medications that could transfer to the milk.

Can I use a regular milking machine on a mare?

No. Standard milking machines are too powerful. They can seriously injure the mare’s sensitive teats. If mechanical help is needed, you must use a specially designed, low-vacuum cluster made for very small livestock or foals.

What if my mare is aggressive when I try to milk her?

Aggression usually means fear or pain. Stop immediately. Try again later in a quieter setting. If the mare is still highly resistant, consult a veterinarian or an experienced equine behaviorist. Forcing the issue can lead to injury for both of you.

How long does lactation last in a mare?

Lactation naturally lasts as long as the foal nurses. If you are milking manually, you can generally maintain good production for about four to six months postpartum, though production naturally declines after the first few months.