28 August 2008 17:10
My 14.2hh TB mare is more than 25 years old but is very broody. She has two donkey foals in the field next door, which she hangs around, even producing milk. Is now the right time to put her in foal?
Answer
By Your Horse
YRC Instructor Alison Ritchie replies:
Giving a horse what they seem to crave isn’t always the kindest thing for them, and in this case your mare is quite old to have her first foal. Your vet will give you sound advice whether it’s viable to put her in foal at this stage. If the vet does give you the go-ahead, talk to professionals at studs for advice.
Visit a local stud and talk to someone who can tell you, in depth, what breeding entails. It’s a big responsibility, so remember if you’ve never been involved with breeding before, you’ll need a big support team to help you.