TOO OLD?

[laura05]

Do you think my mare would be too old to be put in foal she is 17 this year in good condition and fit im not sure if she has had one before but people keep telling me prob has as her teats are enormous keeps being mistaken for a gelding!
also any suggestions as to what to put her to she is 15hands half shire half welsh i would be wanting something that makes approx 16.2 heavyweight type if poss

 

[TFS]

no she should be fine, as long as you just get a vet to check her out to make sure there are no physical problems boundaries etc

 

[KenRehill]

No Not too old, we're just in the process of buying a 17 year old brodmare, so don't worry. Get that boob checked out though.

I can't really recommend a stallion, sorry.

 

[laura05]

will do thank you

 

[spitchwick]

A friend has just had a foal from a first time 17 year old, and mare and foal are fine.

 

[GlamourDol]

Mine is 21 and will be a Maiden Mare. Get the vet to check her tho and make sure everything is working correctely.

 

[Tanta]

when I sent my mare to stud aged 15, my vet said it was fine - but to keep everything as natural as possible - i.e. natural covering or AI, but no messing about trying to get them to come into season, injectinbg them etc. If they are still ready to be covered, they are ready to have a foal, but you don't want to force things to much. Seemed sensible advice - and she was covered 2 days after going to stud and got in foal straight away and had a heatlthy foal 2 years running, before we retired her.

 

[Fleur100]

I have a mare who is foaling for the first time at age 19. The fertility does decrease with age but your vet can advise you.

 

[scarlett_satin]

Your mare sounds a good sort, why not consider an Irish Draught stallion or failing that ,a suffolk punch. The drawback with a suffolk is the size of their head, which could have implications ,since you don't know how well she foals,your vet would tell you.
I,d be reluctant to go for a warm blood as you have a calm sort who would produce an easy tempered youngster for you , and it's going to be quite big.I breed old fashioned middleweights that amateurs can handle and they are as reliable as the day is long.there is a good choice of coloured drum horses to choose from which your mare would nick well with too, no problem with temperament there at all, nice and laid back for a first time breeder. good luck. Jayne.