A hard horse decision-what to do??

[heathersboers]

Thanks everyone- I think that is the best decision for me and my horses- I do feel sorry for the stud though, but i cant handle another one...

 

[Funky Feathers]

I have a beautiful AQHA mare Doc Bar Granddaughter, and I tried to breed her at age 23 and I was too late-it didn't take. I tried 3 more times and gave up. Vet said her eggs are no good, all shriveled up. So don't wait too long. Just my experience.

 

[dmiravalle]

Has your 22 yr old mare ever foaled before??? You might really want to look into that if she hasn't. Also, the paint stallion might have a nice temperment now, but when he get's fattened up and healthy, might be a completely different horse. Just in my own experience, a lot of people "starve down" a stallion so he is managable. I have rescued horses for 30 years. I would look into AI'ing to a nice stud while you wait on your colt if you have to have a baby now.

JMO

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

I am biased. The main cutting horse I ride is a Palimino, & she's a dandy! Keep the youngun, but I'd wait another year before studding him.I know you have a timeline thing going, but for his health, & the colts, I'd wait another year.

 

[fowler_chick]

ok don't shoot the messenger.......but why? why would you want to put a older mare throught it?. i have been around horses all my life......( i have 6 of them now) 2 born on my farm because the air head i bought them from didn't tell me they with a stallion, 1 given to me, and 2 fillies that i bought for $7.50 and the other $30. (the $30. one is papperd out the ass) at auction and the 6th one i took on failure to pay board.. with the horse market being the way it is do you really want bring another foal in to this world that might end up like that stallion????, just a eye opener.......

 

[zippitydooda]

How old is too old to breed a mare? Is 22 pushing it? It might be hard on her.

I really think the colt has better conformation, AND he is registered. I wonder what the benefit would be in breeding BOTH mares at the same time. When they are in foal, doesn't that limit riding and showing, etc.? Just curious.

 

[dmiravalle]

We have had older mares come in that have never foaled before and their previous owners would think it was ok to keep them with a stallion because they were older. They have each had to had C-Sections which costs $$$$$$. The youngest was 19, the oldest was 26. The 26 yr old came in ready to foal and she did not make it through the c-section. She was pretty weak already.

My vet recommends not over 12 for a first foal and even that is pushing it. But that is his opinion.

Personally, I don't let my horses foal before 5 and never breed a mare that hasn't foaled over 10. What is everyone elses opinion on that???

As for breeding your mares, there are a LOT of horses out there that need homes, I have had sooooo many calls about people who thought they were ok and went ahead and bred their mares and then couldn't keep them for some reason or couldn't afford any vet bills.

Personally, I have had to quit taking in rescues right now, because I can't afford the extra care $$. A lot of rescue's are maxed out!

So waiting for your colt isn't necessarily a bad thing, it will give you time to be sure this is what you want and that you are prepared for it.

Also, your mare is adorable.

 

[heathersboers]

My in laws had a 35 year old mare foal 2 years ago- no problems- she accidentally got bred. I have been breeding horses for years and in the past, I thought 22 was old, and have seen 22 year olds not "take". Personally - I have had no problems with older mares foaling-yet-Some vets will tell you its too old, unless the horse has had health issues or breeding issues. I want to bring a foal into this world because-simply- it's my horse-I love her... and I want a foal off of her-If i thought she wasnt capable of carrying-I wouldnt be considering it. She is in perfect health.Just like it's your dog....cat...etc. and you want babies off of them.It's not the same just buying a dog versus raising it yourself. I dont ride anymore-they are pets.I feed them brush em and look at them. I may climb up on Fury twice a year or so.Fury- the 22 year old has foaled twice- the last foal 2 years ago. the paint hasnt ever foaled. If i didnt think I could care for them- I certainly would not consider breeding either one, as I agree ther are a lot of unwanted horses out there. I want to breed them both at the same time- so the foals can bond, and be raised together. The horses I have found that need homes are starved looking and the owners want a premium price for them- . Not to mention half crazy with no coggins, shots, training, or manners. I have been through that with a PMU mare- she was CRAZY- you couldnt touch her, lead her or anything-she was huge, but skin and bones, - basically- I dont want to go out and buy horses, I want to raise them up, with proper nutrition, training, and good temperaments. If I had the room I would rescue some, but not for my personal use. It is hard to find a good horse with proper training.

 

[dmiravalle]

As long as your mare foaled she will be fine, the horses I am talking about had NEVER foaled before! Shoot some I have a friend with Peruvians that breeds her broodmares till they just can't anymore. It is a personal choice.

 

[heathersboers]

Quote:
Now breeding till they cant anymore is just cruel. Some goat breeders do that also- we are in that business also-they breed as much as they can- instead of 2 kiddings per year- we do one- so ours can have a rest- It takes it's toll on the mothers body..