How cab you tell if a mares previously had a foal???

[Keenjean]

Well, exactly as the topic would suggest, how can you tell if a mare has had a foal previously by just looking at her. Some friends of mine seem to be able to do this but I don't know what you look for!!! Think it's a sign I've only been a gelding owner up until very recently!!

 

[JanetGeorge]

There are a couple of tell-tale signs although they are NOT 100% accurate! One is that the bag, even when dried off - will be a little bigger and slacker than in a maiden mare - and usually one teat is longer than the other (foals drink from both, but tend to favour one more than the other.) The vulva will often be a little more elongated (and slacker) than in a maiden.

 

[Polotash]

Ditto udder... usually teats in maidens are much smaller and "tighter"..

 

[Damnation]

There are a couple of tell-tale signs although they are NOT 100% accurate! One is that the bag, even when dried off - will be a little bigger and slacker than in a maiden mare - and usually one teat is longer than the other (foals drink from both, but tend to favour one more than the other.) The vulva will often be a little more elongated (and slacker) than in a maiden.

This is exactily how my YO told me my mare had had a foal and she was right. Contacted the KWPN sho confirmed my mare gave birth to a colt when she was 4years old.

 

[mr fields]

there are so many different ways to tell some maiden mares have the same as a mare that has had a foal the best way to tell is if you know someone who is AI registered to put their hand in the mare to see if the hole leading to the uterus is slack or tight. or ask your vet to come out and check.