mares have bigger influence

[sbcaris]

Mares have a greater genetic influence than a sire. Why? Because they transmit mt-DNA which cannot be transmitted by a sire. Also, a mare provides a son with her X chromosome which is much larger and therefore carries more genes than does the smaller y chromosome provided by the sire.

[davew]

And the mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration.


Few mares have more than 15 offspring in their lifetime, while some studs could have over 1000. ( I do not know records, anyone?)

[Appy]

I agree with the OP for other reasons as well. The mare's influence is huge in determining response and behavioral tendencies of the offspring.