Is there a way of knowing if a mare has had a foal in the past?

[KatB]

As above really? My mare came from ireland, where they are normally backed early, yet she was unbacked at almost 4. I know she came from a stud, so wandered if she may have had a foal?!!

 

[hati]

You could try contacting the Irish Horse Board www.irishsporthorse.com if you have her passport and microchip number. They would be able to tell you if she had a 'registered' foal ie a DNA sample had been obtained for the foal.
Just because she wasn't backed until 4 doesn't necessarily mean that she has had a foal - my mare came from a very well renowned Irish stud/yard and wasn't broken till she was 5 (too small - others took priority as they were more saleable).

 

[Magicmadge]

Have a good look at her udder. If it looks nicely tucked up then probaby not. If it looks and feels on the looser side then she may well have had one. Not a fool proof method though.

 

[kerilli]

i took 1 to stud years ago and asked this question, was told that when they did the AI they would be able to tell (by how tight it all was inside, i guess?!), unfortunately they forgot to write down what they found, and couldn't remember when i went to collect her!

 

[holiday]

Not 100% but if your vet does an internal if she is maiden her hymen is often in place

 

[KatB]

Thanks guys, I'm not that bothered to get vets to do checks etc, just interested tbh!!

 

[sywell]

Most studbooks will be able to tell you but if ID only not yet.

 

[Marchell]

Yes - when we do A.I. we often confirm or not if a mare has an intact hymen although the absence of a hymen can mean that the mare has been served but not always foaled of course.