When to bring mare back to work?

[leonaowen]

I'm a first time granny and was wondering if anyone has an opinion as to when I should bring my mare back into work. I'm finding it a bit confusing, some books say its ok when foal is still at foot, and some say to wait untill after weaning. I was speaking to a friend who has bred for years and she says not until the foal is at least five months old as mums back and pelvice wont be up to it. I dont want to go eventing, just to walk around the paddock so she is not a complete nut when I get back on her. My foal is now ten weeks old. Would be greatfull for any advice.

 

[magic104]

I have always ridden the mares about a month after foaling with no issues & with the vets concent. The mares have always had an easy foaling so no issues there. If your mare was fit before foaling ie been in gentle work up till about 8mth (in some cases 6mths) there should be no issue.

When the above was 3/4mths he no longer wanted to come out with the dam so stayed behind with his mates while mum went out. Once we realised that he was more then happy she started hacking out which she seemed to enjoy. You have to play it case by case as not all mares & foals are going to be happy with the situation. There is no right or wrong in riding your mare with foal at foot. It is only wrong if the mare or foal are not happy, or you are asking too much of the mare before she is fit enough. After all there is no difference to when a woman has a baby. Some women sail through it all have loads of energy, others struggle, there are those that dont want to leave their babies with anyone for months afterwards.

 

[CrazyMare]

I rode in the school from when foalie was 3 months old - she was loose and used to dig holes or try and eat the hedge. Occasionally she would stop my mare for a drink!!

My mare loved having 'her time' back, although I did have to watch the little one wasn't chewing reins/stirrup leathers while I was tacking up!!