At what age?

[tammyisback]

People keep asking me if i'm going to put my two year old filly in foal to have a foal from her before I back her next year. I was always under the impression that they should be older than that before they had a first foal. I have always kept my youngsters well fed but on the slim side to reduce strain on the joints etc. I have always had colts before and would love to have a foal from her, but what is peoples opinion, would I be better to wait, or do it now while she is young?

Tam x

 

[Sparkles]

I personally wouldn't as a 2 year old, but thats me and solely personal opinion.

 

[competitiondiva]

I have heard of some people breeding from 2 year olds. But IMO I would hate to breed from a filly under 3 years of age, so that she has the foal in the year she turns 4. Anything under this you risk affects growth and joints.

 

[tammyisback]

competitiondiva-that was exactly my opinion, I think I was just shocked by how many people say to me, 'aren't you going to breed from her this year?', like I said i've never had a filly before so it'd never really been an issue.

 

[jaypeebee]

I dont breed fillies at 2 years old. the earliest I breed them is in the spring when they are 3 years old but rising 4 years old so that they foal out when they are still 4 but rising 5.

 

[teddyt]

2 is too young, she is still growing herself let alone a foal as well. Also, other than loving to have a foal from her is she good enough to breed from?

 

[Depp_by_Chocolate]

I wouldn't put a 2 year old in foal but I know of people who have, its not something I agree with, they are still 'babies' themselves at that age.

 

[trottingon]

You don't mention if you actually want a foal, or what you would do with a foal if she had one? You aren't obliged to breed from her, thousands of riding horse and pony mares go through life never having a foal. Thousands of horses and ponies are also sold for meat meat each year because their future wasn't planned properly.
Think about it long and hard before you breed any animal, and for the record in my opinion horses of this age should not be bred from. You are right to get ask for advice and opinions in advice on this though. You have the next 12 years to breed from her if that's what you decide to do so don't be rushed into a decision.