Riding brood mares

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weasel27

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Does anyone think that having 4 foals will affect a mare's future as a riding horse. Any conformation issues/physical weaknesses?

My friend has a broodmare that she's never ridden - but has been ridden in the past before she owned her - she's 8. She's thinking of bringing her back into ridden work, but we're not sure if it's a good idea?
 
Don't see it as a particular problem. I loaned a horse that was previously a broodmare,

you say this horse has had 4 foals and she is now 8, so she has been having foals since she was 4? Quite young but if she has also been ridden prior to this then she must have been quite green then I would imagine, just take everything slowly and she may need to be re taught a few things.
 
If she's been ridden in the past then no there shouldn't be any problems - just take things gently.

However if she has not been ridden before, or for a number of years, then I would be very wary. Older mares can have a real mind of their own and some enjoy being ridden, others very definitely do not!

Take care and don't push things.
smile.gif
 
I had Miss Delia on perm loan after three foals and 8 years off - she was 16 - bought her back into work very carefully over t months and she went on to do XC, SJ, Showing, dressage with me sucessfully at local level.

Jemima was about 11 and the vet reckoned she had had at least 5 foals - which being owned by gypsies is about right. She was inclined to have a bit of a belly and big boobs, but once fit, she was streamlined and again was a wonderful all rounder but it took 12 months to get her really going well.

I found no problems with them once they had got fit but I did take longer with them.

Delia had been ridden before, but Jemima had been gypsy broke and driven so took a lot longer to reschool.
 
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