Size of stallion

Bedlam

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Quick numpty question on behalf of a non forum friend - I didn't have a definitive answer so said I'd ask you lot!

What would be the maximum size of stallion you would consider using on a 13.3 mare? I'm assuming that the mare regulates the size of the foal somewhat, but there must be a limit? I have heard of shetlands being injured by having foals that are too large, but just wondered what would be the consequences of say a 16.3 stallion for example with a pony?

How about the other way around - a pony stallion on a larger mare - by AI presumably?

Be kind if it's a really stupid question please - it's outside my small realm of knowledge.....!
 
well the largest mare my14.2 JA stallion covered without assistance was 17.1, he was on his tippy tippy toes!!! Yet my other 14.2 JA struggled with anything over about 15.1!!

The mare does predict the size of the foal in utero but I have known cases of small mare to bigger stallions (person experience 12.2 to 14.2 stallion) where they have had big foals and had trouble foaling so its not a 100% guarantee!!

The size of stallion I would use on a 13.3... well depending on her build, if she was a slight mare I would maybe go to 15-15.2hs and if she was a chucky mare maybe 15.2-16hs, obvious it depends on the build of the stallion as well... obviously this is personal preference
 
Also look at the size of the stallions sire etc. I put my 15.2 mare to a 16.1 stallion and she gave birth this year to a huge foal, she slighty tore her cervix, gained a heamatoma by her vulva and was on painkillers and Oxytocin for a week post birth, she's fine now, the foal should make 16.3 to 17HH. The grandsires on both sides were 16.3 and 17HH so I got a throw back, having seen what my mare went through with just that height difference I wouldn't even consider a 16.3 stallion to a pony mare. Responsibility has to come into this.
 
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I wouldn't even consider a 16.3 stallion to a pony mare. Responsibility has to come into this.

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I missed the bit about using a 16.3 on a 13.3... I wouldn't!!
The lower height limit for mares visiting my 16.3 stallion is 15.2, he is a big boy!
 
my 13.3 stallion covered a 16.2 mare with ease last yr. my vet has said that 2 hands bigger than the mare should be fine but bugger than that you could run into problems, but as said above depends on the build of mare and stallion, you dont wanna go putting a heavy bones stallion to a slight mare. shetlands can run into problems much easier as they are so small.
 
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