Bad idea?

M

myhorseislola

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I am thinking of putting my mare in foal next year. She is five (will be six next may) and a TB x type.

She has poor confirmation of the back legs, they are rather upright as such, she is not very strong behind. I think she was a bit of a throw back as both her parents are 15.1hh polo ponies - from a long line of PP's) and she came out as 16.2h!

Anyway, she is fine for a hack etc, will never be up to hard work.

Does anyone think it is a bad idea to breed from her? I am basically trying to breed something that I could eventually ride when my girl has to start to take it easier.

I will of course speak to my stud vet and if she says no, then that will be that, I don't want my mare to be uncomfortable and am wondering if the extra 'foal' weight will be too much for her legs...

Any advice?

Thanks
 
It's not just the mare you should be concerned about. Breeding from stock that have conformation weaknesses is a very bad idea, especially as it is so bad that she is unfit to work. She'll pass the weakness onto the offspring, and you'll end up with another horse that can't take any work.
Sorry to put a dampener on your idea
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[ QUOTE ]
It's not just the mare you should be concerned about. Breeding from stock that have conformation weaknesses is a very bad idea, especially as it is so bad that she is unfit to work. She'll pass the weakness onto the offspring, and you'll end up with another horse that can't take any work.
Sorry to put a dampener on your idea
frown.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks - this is exactly what I am worrted about - I don't want to be one of these back yard breeders with a field full of poor animals!

I think I will get my vets advice, the bloodline is good and her parents are all successful polo ponies . As I say I think she is a complete throw back (which I need to find out if that's good or bad!!) I'm expecting her to say No Way! She is brutally honest and knows her stuff so will see what she says
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Thanks for your input x
 
I have to agree with the other posters. You could very easily end up breeding a foal with exactly the same conformational defects as her, or even worse. You'd be much better buying another horse when you are ready, or a youngster next year that you can bring on steadily until your mare is ready to retire.

Even if you are breeding just a nice all rounder, soundness and temperament are the most important aspects, and poor conformation = unsoundness
 
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