in foal or not in foal - that is the question

[margaretb]

Vet called, none the wiser really, Poppy did not like the vet having a feel, understandibly, I did not help the situation cos I was nervous as to what Poppy would do. The vet could not feel a foal in the uterus, but went on to say if she were far gone she might not feel it anyway.

Thought about taking a blood sample, Poppy wasn't having any of that, got very agitated so we gave up. Having had halter and lead rope removed Poppy became an angel and wandered of happily to graze.

Not her fault, I was terribly nervous and she sensed it, so will just have to wait and see. I am now in a dilemma as to what to do with her!

 

[tangotime]

Hi Margaretb,

if you can collect some urine, this may be an option:

http://www.foalproof.co.uk/urine_run.htm

 

[Chumsmum]

Oh my gosh, just read this post!

Don't know what to suggest except for I don't mind holding her for vet if you want to get them back out, I know how worrying this is for you.

 

[margaretb]

I am shortly going to be opening a bottle of wine!

I was not the best person to be in charge of the horse, the vet put a twitch on which did help eventually but can't have been a pleasant experience for the horse, and no doubt she remembered the last time she went in the stable (and behaved beautifully I may add!) she had her teeth done!

Thank you for the offer to come and hold her should I decide to get the vet to do bloods, but I think for the time being I am going to leave well alone. If she is in foal it will be june july time, which isn't that far away, I'm just very aware I've done hardly anything with her at all since I've had her and that cannot be doing her anygood, nor me as the last thing I ought to be doing is not riding her as it is all too easy for me to say, oh well, I'll ride her tomorrow. I really am beginning to wonder if she really is the right riding horse for me. Confidence crash again.

 

[Chumsmum]

Don't worry, things have a way of sorting themselves out, the issue of whether she the right one can be decided upon another time. Open the wine!

Perhaps do a post in the breeding section - there may be someone close enough to come and have a look at her and see what they think - my only concern would be that if she is in foal you may have to make some plans though I'm guessing you know more about birth's than the average person being married to a Farmer lol?

 

[Echo Bravo]

I'd take each day as it comes

 

[margaretb]

Thankyou everyone - funnily enough I have just decided to pull myself together and stop worrying! I have some fantastic support from people on this forum, and friends at home. I am missing a lovely opportunity with owning a horse whatever happens - as I have got older I worry more, and if I'm not worrying I worrry that I'm not!! My children despair!!

If I could find the smilely logo I would post half a dozen!!

 

[JanetGeorge]

The vet could not feel a foal in the uterus, but went on to say if she were far gone she might not feel it anyway.

Mmm - I'd be considering replacing vet! IF a mare is well in foal and carrying low,notbeingable toreach far enough to feel the foal is fair enough. But a vet who couldn't recognise a non-pregnant uterus when she felt it would be of NO use to me!

Any experienced stud owner would be able to give you a very good idea of whether a mare is 9 months or more in foal just by looking at the shape/size of the belly in relation to the mare's overall body condition!

 

[margaretb]

I have to say I was not filled with confidence with the vet but had got myself and consequently the horse in such a state I was relieved when it was all over and she had gone. I should have requested the senior equine partner of the practice - I am being careful what I say JanetGeorge as I don't think you are too far from me looking at your location!

I have a experienced neighbour who is happy to come and take a look at Poppy for me so am going to take her up on her offer.