Unplanned pregnancy

[irishredwood]

We bought a 4 year old Connemara back in October for my granddaughter. We have noticed her gainig weight whilst our bigger horses have been losing it. So got the vet out today and she confirmed that our pony is in foal and although she couldn't say definitely she suspected she may be 10 months gone. Obviously this has come as a bit of a shock and as we bought her from a local dealer who imports from Ireland we can't find out what covered her or how long ago. Not being experienced with foaling we intend sending her away to a stud but when should we plan to send her and what changes do we need to make in the meantime to ensure her best chance of a successful foaling? At the moment she is turned out with our other two mares all day in what can only be described as boggy ground with hay. At night she is stables with hay and a feed of hi fi light chaff, a handful of pony nuts and a low calorie balancer.

 

[Marigold4]

I have no experiences or advice to offer you on feeding, but have you been back to the dealer? Exciting though this is, it's going to involve you in a lot of expense and pony can't be ridden for months. Surely the expectation is that if you buy a horse from a dealer it is NOT pregnant. I would ask for some money back.

 

[irishredwood]

I understand what you are saying but my granddaughter is already very attached to the pony and she has such a lovely nature. The dealer was very apologetic and helped trace her past as far as she originally was bought from "a lad in Southern Ireland who had ten Connemaras runnning together in a field!" She was very restless one night last week and we decided to send her away to stud to be looked after. Just hoping she isn't there too long as it as you say a costly business. Fingers crossed it all turns out well.

 

[Marigold4]

I still do think the dealer should take some responsibility for this - the "running free" bit should have been a heads up and they should have asked if any stallions were involved. At least you get a free foal, I suppose!

Hope it all goes well. Great that she is now at stud so you don't have to worry about her. Don't forget to post photos when foalie arrives!

 

[Lady2021]

That’s very exciting I hope it’s goes well for you.

 

[Gingerwitch]

Goid luck. If you post questions in c and t you will usually get a much bigger response or there is tack room.
A lot of good people on here to advise.

 

[Squeak]

How exciting! I have no advice or experience to offer but please post pics of the foal when it arrives and keep us updated on the mares progress.

 

[gallopingby]

If the pony is registered it should be possible to trace her owner through the pedigree and sales assuming she went through the sales ring Ireland? Assuming she has the correct passport from CPBS this could be a good start?

 

[SmallSteps]

I’ve got one of those - mare from Ireland that kept getting fatter and now I’ve got a cornet obolensky foal ? Lovely foal though. One thing I learnt don’t try to make up for lost time by throwing extra food at the mare at the last minute once you realise what’s going on or foalie could grow a bit fast and bent


I also learnt that if you think your kids are attached to the mare wait til they meet the foal ??

 

[Gingerwitch]

Just ensure you check out thoroughly especially well known studs, down south to send your mare to or the youngster. PM if you need any other pointers.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I’ve got one of those - mare from Ireland that kept getting fatter and now I’ve got a cornet obolensky foal ?

Now that’s what I call one hell of a BOGOF ?

 

[SantaVera]

nothing to add except this situation is not unusual.breeders and dealers often run mares with colts and if she doesnt sell then they get a free foal. seen this happen time after time. I always have any mare or filly I am purchasing blood tested to see if infoal nowadays. if the seller wont allow it then I walk away.