First foal at 21? / Cleveland Bays

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HelenPolly

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24 October 2005
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Hi all,

I've been reading up on breeding recently with the help of the posts on here, I have a 21 year old cleveland bay x who is in exceptional quality for her age, a great pelvis and fab feet (had her 18 years). I would have bred from her earlier but have never really had the money until now, I spoke to my vet and he didn't laugh at me so am assuming its not such a crazy idea! I've read through what's involved and he wants to check her over thoroughly and do some scans in February next year before we proceed (if I proceed?!). What experiences have you guys had breeding from older mares? I still need to thoroughly think about it all obviously.

My current livery yard is very small and not set up for this kind of thing, do I move her to a yard with facilities or can she go to a stud farm for a while? May sound an obvious thing but I'm not sure! My current livery yard is ideal and quiet for after though although we have a he/she mare there and I'm not sure how she'll react to it all (she's currently being very aggressive to my mare and can jump fences at ease).

Also.... if anyone's got a nice pure Cleveland Bay stallion at stud, please let me know!

Thanks very much for any advice,
Helen
 
Breeding an older maiden mare can often prove to be very difficult.

They may have issues with uterine clearance, making them susceptible to severe infections. The cervix may not relax properly during estrus, which may require specialist treatment. The cycles may also be irregular and will need careful monitoring with ultrasound scans. And will likely need very careful treatment after insemination (I would NOT recommend natural covering) with flushes and oxytocin. I would also recommend a full uterine assessment (swabs & biopsy) before you embark on this: it will save you money in the long run... therefore, I'd say - send her to a specialist repro vet (a real specialist like Jonathan Pycock, not just someone who "does horse breeding" or is on the BEVA AI list), or to a specialist AI centre that has experience with older maiden mares.

That said, this is just the general approach to older maiden mares - some will be absolutely fine and will catch first time, just as young healthy mares may appear very infertile. It's pot luck, but taking her to a properly equipped and experienced vet/AI centre and getting her assessed properly before you start will make the whole process a lot simpler and save you money in the long run.

Good luck!
 
Thanks guys, all duly noted. Will definitely get her thoroughly checked out beforehand as she's too precious. She's regularly in season though and its very obvious so am assuming this is obviously a bonus!
 
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