Foals..

[Ladybird L]

Pls don’t eat me for this. It’s just another idea running through my mind…
My mare strained her suspensory ligament earlier this year. The vet has just given the prognosis that it’s very unlikely she’ll ever be able to return to work.
I’m thinking about maybe putting her in foal, just once… Has anyone any thoughts?

Obviously I’d get her cleared by the vet first, but

Would carrying a foal definitely make the lameness worse? I could do AI but she still needs to carry it.

She had been a brood mare these last few years, but she is just gone 20, is that too old? She still has strong heats and is in good condition

The foal would be for me to keep

My mare has done and won a pile, she has good conformation, and genuinely one of the best horses I have ever ridden

And I would pick a good sire, the foal wouldn’t just be another backyard mess

Please don’t jump down my throat, it’s just an idea, and if I could just have people’s opinions that would be fantastic.

 

[teddy_]

I think only your vet can give you a steer as to whether it's going to exacerbate her lameness.

20 is not too old, provided the mare isn't a maiden - which your post suggests she is not? I know several warmblood mares still foaling in their early 20s with no problems.

 

[Ladybird L]

Thank you. Yes, she’s had 2 foals in the last 5 years…

 

[teddy_]

Thank you. Yes, she’s had 2 foals in the last 5 years…

I think if your vet gives you the thumbs up, go for it .

There are some wonderful stallions standing in the UK at the moment.

 

[Ladybird L]

Great thank you!

I’m actually in Ireland, i am already looking at a few now if I get the all clear from the vet I will be posting about sires next!!