Branna
Well-Known Member
Background:
Lovely, well bred, well put together 14yo ISH mare that I have owned for 10 years and is a fab allrounder. Not had a foal before. Injured 3 years ago but has come back into work well, up until May competing 90cm eventing & unaff dressage up to Ad Med. I would like to try and have a foal from her, for me to keep. Having been undecided in the past, I am going for it this year as a) age wise I feel like it's now or never b) I am pregnant, due in November & would be nice for us both to be taking a step back at the same time.
Things never go as smoothly as you would wish though, and she scanned not in foal at the second attempt today. Using frozen semen (I know not ideal for a maiden mare), the first time she was AI'd we kept her in light work, mainly hacking and a quiet pootle in the school - no embryo at 15 days. Second time vet suggested I try giving her time off, at least until a heartbeat scan 30 days. Did this and still nothing at first scan.
I have another dose at the vets so happy to go another round and if she doesn't take, maybe have a go with another stallion (suggestions for sport horse stallions with fresh semen known to be very fertile would be welcome!) My dilemma is, do I continue to have her doing nothing in the field or get back to light riding? Does it make a difference??
Being currently 22 weeks pregnant, I feel like if she has another month off I may not be in a position then to get back to riding myself. And I feel like if I end up that it doesn't work out and she doesn't take, I'm going to regret having her out of work for this summer that I could be enjoying her.
Any thoughts or opinions welcome!
Lovely, well bred, well put together 14yo ISH mare that I have owned for 10 years and is a fab allrounder. Not had a foal before. Injured 3 years ago but has come back into work well, up until May competing 90cm eventing & unaff dressage up to Ad Med. I would like to try and have a foal from her, for me to keep. Having been undecided in the past, I am going for it this year as a) age wise I feel like it's now or never b) I am pregnant, due in November & would be nice for us both to be taking a step back at the same time.
Things never go as smoothly as you would wish though, and she scanned not in foal at the second attempt today. Using frozen semen (I know not ideal for a maiden mare), the first time she was AI'd we kept her in light work, mainly hacking and a quiet pootle in the school - no embryo at 15 days. Second time vet suggested I try giving her time off, at least until a heartbeat scan 30 days. Did this and still nothing at first scan.
I have another dose at the vets so happy to go another round and if she doesn't take, maybe have a go with another stallion (suggestions for sport horse stallions with fresh semen known to be very fertile would be welcome!) My dilemma is, do I continue to have her doing nothing in the field or get back to light riding? Does it make a difference??
Being currently 22 weeks pregnant, I feel like if she has another month off I may not be in a position then to get back to riding myself. And I feel like if I end up that it doesn't work out and she doesn't take, I'm going to regret having her out of work for this summer that I could be enjoying her.
Any thoughts or opinions welcome!
