There are as many opinions on this subject, as there are people in the world! Some think that there are too many horses in rescues or going to auctions, so no more breeding should occur. Others think if the mare has a uterus, you should breed her! Then there are many other ideas in between these two extremes.
My own opinion is that you should be a responsible breeder. You should only breed to BETTER the breed. Just because you have a mare, it doesn't mean she should be bred! I also believe that there are a lot of good stallions that would make even better geldings! You should also be prepared to care for those foals that you produce, until you can find them good homes. That's why we only breed a very small number of foals each year. I also feel that breeding in a responsible fashion is necessary. How else will you ensure that the breed continues on? How else can the breed improve? How else will there be quality individuals for future generations to have and enjoy? Breeding just needs to be done in a smaller quantity and with all of these things in mind.
Having said all of that, let's say that you've done some soul searching and have decided to breed your mare. Please make sure that she is breeding sound, before you book your breeding to a stallion! Those stud fees are not refundable (usually) and you want to be sure your mare is healthy from a breeding perspective and that she is breeding sound, before you book your breeding.
So, what does "breeding sound" mean exactly? You'll want the vet to check her ovaries by ultrasound, to be sure she doesn't have any cysts or abnormalities. You'll want her uterus checked too, again to be sure there are no abnormalities present. She'll need a culture done, to be sure no infection is present. Of course she'll need all of her vaccinations to be brought up-to-date, as well as a current negative coggins test if she is to travel to the stud farm for breeding.
Other factors to consider before breeding your mare......how old is she? An older mare (late teens or even twenties) CAN have a foal, but if they haven't foaled for several years, it may be harder to get them pregnant. Is the mare a maiden (never before foaled) mare? If so, how old is she? A maiden mare under 10 years old is not usually a problem. A maiden mare that is over 10 may have trouble getting in foal.
These are not written in stone things of course, but they are things to consider. Your vet may suggest other exams or tests to be done prior to breeding your mare. You may have some extra vet expenses to get the mare bred or keep her pregnant if she gets in foal, to factor in to your breeding budget as well. She may have to stay longer at the breeding farm to achieve a pregnancy or she may not be a good candidate for shipped or frozen semen breeding. If she can't become pregnant or she can't sustain a pregnancy, you may need to consider substitution of a different mare for your breeding and you may not be able to do that until the next spring (if you have already used up your breeding season time frame in the current year). If you do get her in foal, she may need to have her progesterone level supplemented, in order to keep the pregnancy. Some mares require Regumate to do this. This is a costly medication that must be given with care daily. Your vet will check your mare's progesterone level after she is in foal, to see if she needs Regumate or not.
I think the more informed the mare owner is, the easier and more enjoyable the breeding experience will be for them. Go in with eyes wide open! The next blog will go out over the July 2nd weekend. We will revisit gardening and canning in that blog. Until next time, enjoy your summertime!
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