How to Crossbreed Zebras and Horses
A cross between a zebra stallion and a female horse is called a "zorse." Although zebra hybrids are growing in popularity all over the world, they've actually been bred in Africa for more than 150 years. A zorse foal inherits the dominant color gene of the horse mare and stripes from the the zebra sire. The hybrid foal looks like a small horse with stripes. Most offspring of zebra and horse matings are sterile, similar to mules. A zorse can be trained to perform the same jobs as a horse, including western or English riding, jumping and driving.
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Instructions
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Select a zebra stallion that's healthy and displays the correct conformation for the species. Conformation deformities can be inherited, so it's important to avoid them in breeding stock. Zebra stallions that are raised with horses are much easier to use in zorse breeding programs because they'll willingly mate with a horse mare. The zebra stallion will pass along its stripes to the foal, so pay attention to its stripe patterns if you have something particular in mind.
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Select a horse mare to breed to the zebra stallion. It should ideally be between the ages four and twenty and exhibit a good disposition and conformation. The zorse foal will inherit the dominant color gene of the mare, so choose a horse that carries the gene of a color that you like. Colored breed mares, such as Paints and Appaloosas, can also be used to influence the foal's color. A Paint mare may give birth to a zorse foal with an overlay of dark stripes on the dark (spotted) areas of the horse. The stripes on the zorse are usually dark brown or black, no matter the color of the coat. Occasionally, the stripes will have a reddish hue on chestnut or sorrel coats.
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Wait for the horse mare to come into heat. The best time to have the mare bred is from June through August. The gestation period for a horse is approximately eleven months, so breeding during this time period will produce a foal in the spring. Mares will often come into heat every 21 to 28 days during the breeding season. Watch for your mare to become temperamental and exhibit interest in your stallion, which are typically signs of heat.
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Turn your zebra stallion out with your mare and allow them to breed on their own. This is the most natural process and can be quite successful, although it may take several tries. Another option is to implement controlled breeding, in which each animal has a handler to assist with the breeding. Each animal is haltered and kept on a long lead; the stallion is introduced to the mare and encouraged to mount her. This method is one of the more dangerous ways to breed because you never know how the animals will react.
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Wait one month after the mare has been bred by the stallion and make an appointment with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will confirm whether your mare is pregnant. If she is, your zorse foal will be born in eleven months.
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Reintroduce the mare to the stallion during her next cycle if the veterinarian confirms that she is not pregnant.
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Tips & Warnings
Occasionally, a zebra mare will be crossed with a horse stallion. These hybrids are called "hebras" and are very rare because horse stallions don't like to breed zebra mares.
If you're not familiar with breeding and caring for horses, it's best to seek professional assistance. Zorses, like horses, require a large amount of time and financial commitment. It's important to have a knowledgeable professional to assist you with the breeding process.
References
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