How long is the typical gestation period for a horse?

The typical gestation period for a horse is approximately 11 months. This duration is necessary for the proper development of the foal, allowing it to grow and mature within the mare's womb before birth. Horses, classified as ungulates, have longer gestation periods than many other domestic animals, reflecting their evolutionary adaptations to give birth to precocial young that are relatively developed and able to stand and run shortly after birth. This extended gestation period ensures that the foal is ready to meet the challenges of life outside the womb, contributing to its survival in the wild.