Advice about broodmare please??

[Red Mare]

Hi,

I'm quite new to the forum but was just wondering if you could give me any advice.
I have had my mare for a year and a half now, mainly doing flat work as I am trying to work on my riding as well as her dressage. However around November last year she went lame and although we got several different diagnoses from different vets no treatment has yet been successful even though a lot of money has been spent on trying to get her sound! It has been on and off but not enough to do more than walk and trot occasionally.
She is a dutch warmblood and has very good lines (Flemingh/Landgraf), and is only 13 so I have been thinking about selling her as a broodmare to a stud. Does anyone have any idea whether studs in general would be interested in a horse like this/have any suggestions about who to contact/where to advertise her? *this is not an advertisement, I am just looking for advice.*
Thanks for reading, I know it's long!

 

[DGeventing]

Don't breed it. Don't sell it to someone that will. Simple.

 

[annaellie]

Am not really sure due to not knowing why she is lame. One of my mares damaged her tendon that runs over the hock after a big saga I asked my vet about a brood mare as she had amazing temp and good breeding. After bet agreed I called a lady who done a lot if breeding she jumped at her, she also got her own vet to check sutibilaty of brood mare and she went off to her new home the following week

 

[Toast]

If the lameness isnt caused by conformational fault or something that she could potentially pass on, i dont see why you couldnt offer her to a good stud

 

[Red Mare]

Yeah thanks, she has ligament problems that are not deemed to be hereditary so that shouldn't affect future foals.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Another possibility would be to take a chance on her coming sound again. Could you find grass livery and turn her away for a year?

Maybe she could be leased as a broodmare for a year?

 

[numptynoelle]

I'm a proper numpty, but I'd be worried about her ligaments being damaged further by carrying the weight of a foal, not to mention running about after it once it's born Have you discussed it with your vet?

 

[DGeventing]

Even if the unsoundness is judged not hereditary

• Does your country have any need for any more horses

• Will her injury hold up to carrying an caring for her foal

• Does she have any stellar performance record or achievements

• Though nice, is her breeding at all rare enough to necessitate her use (I'd give you a clue on this one if you want it, but would risk being called out as catty...)

• Does she ave perfect conformation and manners

• If you keep her and breed her yourself do you have the adequate knowledge to choose a suitable stallion and care for her and baby. More importantly, do you have the money?

Look, it sounds to me as if this is a nice mare, but not something that ought to be bred, by either you or sold on (look for the facebook thread just below to see what you might be selling her into!)

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I have to agree with the two posters who have concerns, they are very valid points to consider.

 

[minesadouble]

I'm guessing it's not going to be easy to sell a broodmare at the moment - especially an empty one at this time of year. If you have any good studs near you it may be worth sounding them out on her prospects as a broodmare.

Incidentally - you cannot 'breed your mare' as has been suggested - her own breeder did that 13 years ago!! You could however 'breed FROM your mare'... Sorry it's just a massive pet hate of mine

 

[LollyDolly]

Even if the unsoundness is judged not hereditary

• Does your country have any need for any more horses

• Will her injury hold up to carrying an caring for her foal

• Does she have any stellar performance record or achievements

• Though nice, is her breeding at all rare enough to necessitate her use (I'd give you a clue on this one if you want it, but would risk being called out as catty...)

• Does she ave perfect conformation and manners

• If you keep her and breed her yourself do you have the adequate knowledge to choose a suitable stallion and care for her and baby. More importantly, do you have the money?

^THIS.
I was getting all geared up to explain it all but DG has done it perfectly! Honestly could not have said this better myself!

 

[FfionWinnie]

She could be predisposed to ligament problems and pass that on to a foal. Why risk it. I think personally if my horse went lame like that I'd either keep it as a companion or put it down. It may sound harsh but at least you know her life is a good one.

 

[Red Mare]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I have discussed it with the vet who says that she doesn't see why any reason she wouldn't be able to carry a foal. Pretty sure the ligament issues won't be passed on as they are due to a previous fracture in her hoof but obviously something to consider.
Putting her in the field for the year is definitely also a possibility, as I can afford to keep her. I would definitely not breed from her myself as I don't have the expertise or knowledge to deal with a pregnant mare/foal.