I have the most fantastic horse on the world, she has not been ridden in 12 months as she has mild arthritus in her near back leg. In her prime she was a great eventer, shes the bravest horse over any jump, has lovely floaty paces and was jumping 1m60 for fun. I know I am going to have trouble finding a replacement for her when her time is up (sniff sniff) so was wondering if I had left it to late to breed from her. She's 24 going on 25. A thoughbred and has bred a foal years and years ago with her previous owner. Apart from her arthritus she is in good health . Any answers from experienced horsey people would be much appreciated
2006-12-27 12:24:32 · 19 answers · asked by xoclairexo 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
just wanted to add, she still comes into season, I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't put any undue stress on her or make her ill, I'd hate to damage her health or risk her life for my own selfish reasons!
2006-12-27 12:30:17 · update #1
My gut would say no but obviously this means a lot to you. I'm kind of going through the same thing now.....my horse passed away recently and she was the best horse ever. I know she's had a foal (if not more) before. We have recently been trying to locate one of her foals. I think it would be a good idea to try to locate your horse's first foal and see if you could possibly buy it. If not, this is definitely a question for your vet. Good luck! I hope you can get one of her foals!
2006-12-27 12:48:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
she may or may not be fertile- Just because she comes into heat doesn't mean that she will get pregnant. A horse that had many years off of breeding also is harder to get pregnant.
As for stress, yes it will. We have breed a 22 yr old successfully, but she was a brood mare for 5-6 yrs straight. You need to supplement her diet and keep her exercising lightly.
There is always a risk when breeding and it increases with age. That 22 yr old had an easy birth but the foal was born with legs that wouldn't go straight (I forgot the name for the condition) We put casts on and 6 yrs later the same foal sold for eventing at $45,000 (the person we sold her to sold it for that) and is competing somewhere in New York now. I wantto add that the horse is a mutt- an appendix/shire cross.
I know what you mean about wanting a replacement. I am planning on breeding my mare when she gets to be about 20 for a hopefully close replacement.
You need to take extra care and precautions- IF she does concieve. If you think it is worth the risks, go for it. Make sure your vet keeps a close eye on her during the whole thing.
2006-12-28 04:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every person I came in contact with who breed their mare in the late teens to earlie 20's had some complications if the mare had arthritus or not up to date during the pregnancy (extra feed, extra nutrition with the appropriate excersize etc).
However, doesn't mean it is inpossible, but the risk is higher for her to carry a full term pregnancy at her age. Horse's body ages a lot faster than ours.
I would base your choice on a vet's well thought out over view of it.
I personally would not breed my mare at that age. Even though my mare will be 16 in April and I want to breed her one last time. She is now getting in her age and after a 5 year long battle of purpura (secondary strangles) I am finally getting her well. The risk, it coming back as it will never go away (goes dormat). She was the healthiest horse and one day, litterly one day, bam! I almost lost her a few times. So, my vet is bluntly honest and I love that about him. He will tell me if breeding my mare will kill her or not. He says she is healthy and looks great. But there is still that concern.......
Make your choice by the vet and by your horse. If you don't breed her now, don't plan to next year as time is precious.
2006-12-27 17:48:35 · answer #3 · answered by Mutchkin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she has not been breed recently, I would have a vet evaluate her. Usually a maiden mare at this age, or a mare who hasn't been bred in a while is not often successful. A good general check up, as well as a gynecological exam, can tell alot about her physical ability to breed. You also want to look at where her arthritis is and how comfortably she's going to be able to carry a foal. I work for a vet, and we have clients who breed horses who are that old, however they are from "hardier" breeds who tend to live longer, mostly Arabs. I would recommend spending time with her, enjoying your time, but relishing the chance to meet a new horse and develop a relationship with him or her.
2006-12-27 12:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
as long as your mare is in good condition & generally healthy other than her arthritic back leg then she should be fine. Many brood mare successfully produce foals into their late 20's. I would just get your vet to give her a good check over (she will need swabs anyway prior to going to stud). you may find she needs extra feed supplements, more so than a younger horse to keep her looking well, also bear in mind the strain of covering & carrying the weight of the foal for almost 12 months could place on her back leg. otherwise, good luck! I hope you will get a lovely foal! you certainly stand a better chance with a mare that has produced foals in the past than a maiden mare.
2006-12-28 08:21:18 · answer #5 · answered by ATP 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She is not necessarily too old to breed, but it is best to check things out with your vet. As she has bred previous foals this should be easier on her, but it is best to make sure that breeding will not place undue stress on her, and as with humans fertility can be less as they get older. It would be a lovely idea, and if your vet says yes then go for it.
2006-12-28 06:45:24 · answer #6 · answered by debzc 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can breed her. The likelihood of her catching is decreased though. And you probably need to have her progesterone level checked as soon as she is confirmed in foal which can be done as early as 16 days, which is actually the best incase there are twins and they need to be pinched. You proabably want to keep her on Regumate for the first 4 months as well, but once again you'll need her progesterone level checked. And make sure you get a seriel progesterone as levels fluctuate throughout the day.
2006-12-27 15:16:02 · answer #7 · answered by dakittenizcozmic 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If she hasn't had a foal in years, it may not be a wise option to have her bred at this point. Mares can very well produce well into their late 20s, if they are kept on a routine breeding schedule.
Otherwise, if she gets a clean bill of health from your veterinarian, she could be bred.
2006-12-27 12:29:02 · answer #8 · answered by Lotsa Lops 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have just read all you answers so far and think you're getting really good advice. It is obvious from your question that you are devoted to your mare. Bearing in mind that any offspring may not be very much like her anyway I would advise you not to risk it and enjoy the time you have left together. Good luck with whatever choice you make.
2006-12-27 19:56:02 · answer #9 · answered by Headcase 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
for her age and having arthritis it may been dangerous because there is a big risk of either mare or foal dieing or both. u need to have a vet check her and make sure she is still breedable. they will make sure her insides are girl parts are functioning properly. but even if a vet gives u ok it may not be worth the risk.
2006-12-27 12:31:40 · answer #10 · answered by kooneyedkellie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋