broodmares into work

[romilyw]

I have just been given a 13yr old (ish) mare to break and get into work. She has had 5 foals and still has an excellent back line. So far i have done 3 months of lunging and now long reining. I am prepared to take a lot of time with her, but she has a huge belly. There is no doubt she is a 'good doer' but also has a low belly. Having no experience with broodmares - is she likely to lose her baby belly?

Would appreciate hearing about people's views/experiences.

 

[scotsmare]

If she's done no work in between her foals then she may always retain her baby belly. It will take another few months yet before her muscles tighten back up in any case.

 

[Cop-Pop]

I have a 10 year old Welsh Section A ex brood mare

I don't know how many babies she's had but although her belly is low it has improved since she's been in work. It was quite tough bringing her into work though - she'd run on the hill wild for 5 years before being sold on where she was left alone in a field.
I haven't broken her to saddle yet though she's had weight on her back. She's lunged, loose schooled and walked out in hand and that seems to be doing the trick

Someone else is breaking her to saddle for me next month (I'm too fat

) so will go from there

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I've got a 14.2 12yr old rescue mare who had done nothing but pop babies all her life. She's due back next week from Boot Camp where she's learnt some very basic manners and has been backed. She has a mahoosive belly - god knows how many babies she's had! - and I had to get her the new Wintec Wide, which fits her like a glove. She needs a 52" girth {swoon} when my porky 15.2 cob only needs a 48" with the SAME saddle. I don't think her belly will ever shrink and since I can't afford a tummy tuck for her, she's just gonna have to work it off!