Is it bad for a mare...

[3BayGeldings]

.. to breed year after year? Or can they just throw them out year after year with no bother?

Asking simply out of curiosity. H x

 

[Enfys]

Hmmmmmm, good question. I will be interested to see opinions on this.

I have never bred enough to know.

I think it would depend on the mare and so many other things, it takes such a lot out of some, yet others seem to thrive and bloom on motherhood. I daresay that a well managed broodmare would cope with producing a foal a year much better than, say, a feral pony which has a much less pampered life and no vet a phone call away in the event of an emergency.

 

[Fleur100]

The native ponies breed year after year without any problems. However I tend to give all my mares a year off after 3 foals.

 

[Touchwood]

Well managed and looked after, most will manage it just fine. My mares are 'career' broodmares. I need them to produce foals every year, its what they do. They have the best of care, and all seem to thrive on it.

 

[magic104]

I think it is an individual thing, just like some human mothers thrive, the same will go for equines. So long as they are receiving the correct care/feed then there should be no problem. A friend is looking at a 1990 mare that has had 10 foals from 1996 to 2008, (last yr was the 1st she lost) & her 1981 dam had 9 foals from 1987 to 1999. The present owner thinks there are plenty left in her yet, but I am sure she may dictate otherwise. I know my friend is not thinking of more then another 2 from her. Would be interested to know what others have found as someone has already said they have known a 27yo foal without any problems.

 

[BallyshanHorses]

I think as long as they are well cared for and well fed then you should not have a problem.When one of our mares tends not to go in foal after a few coverings we give them a year off.
They at the end of the day they will tell you if they are not up to it by not going in foal.
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www.ballyshanhorses.webs.com

 

[KarynK]

I rotate mine so I have something to ride! But the TB throws big strong quality foals every other year, have tried when she has a foal at foot but nothing! I don't worry as they are such nice foals, she obviously puts a lot into them so needs a rest!

Just covered her tonight and her baby is now 14 months so fingers crossed!

 

[Tnavas]

My mare has a foal alternate years purely because I don't want her foaling away from home or having a young foal running at stud.

If I found a nice stallion to use with AI then I might be tempted. When the last foal was born I promosed I'd never put her through it all again - foal was massive and had I had to pull as mum pushed. I love my Clydie to pieces and the thought of losing her in foaling was just too much. She is now going to have time off and I will ride her.

I have a rising 3 and a rising yearling so have plenty to play with for a few years now.