Breeding from an old mare

[showjump2003]

Just out of interest

Would you put an 18 year old mare in good health in to foal with her having never foaled before or are the risks too high?

 

[arwenplusone]

Depends on a few things really, but assuming her condition is good then I wouldn't discount the idea but I would proceed carefully, especially as she is a maiden mare.

I think though that nature often dictates these things and if she is 'too old' she possibly won't take.

 

[brighteyes]

No. I wouldn't put any mare in foal. I'd leave it to the experts and buy a youngster that I was more certain wiould do my job. And quicker. Take one off the already flooded market. That's what I'd do.

 

[showjump2003]

lol it's not somethin I'm planning, just after opinons on breeding older maiden mares! lol

 

[brighteyes]

Phew! I guess it sometimes happens by accident, and the mare survives, but I wouldn't do it on purpose if I had a choice and notwithstanding my very anti 'indiscriminate breeding' views.

I have to restrain myself from having a daily rant on the breeding forum

 

[wizzi901]

QR

No, plenty out there already breeding and 18 is too old IMHO.

 

[Enfys]

Not a maiden I don't think I would personally.

If she wasn't a maiden and in good health then yes I would.

Brighteyes, I have to restrain myself daily from having a rant too, at the "Small breeders are irresponsible" posters.

It isn't always true you know, many of us 'little people' produce useful, sane horses that there is a market for.