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Mrs DJ
Gold Member
632 Posts |
 Posted - 12 May 2008 : 9:49:14 PM
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Question for all you experienced breeders out there.......
What age would you say was too old for a first foal??
I'm in no position to put my mare in foal at the moment (keep her at livery yard, totally unsuitable for youngstock), but she has good bloodlines and exceptional temperament. I would love to have a foal fom her (to keep for myself) at some point.
My OH and I are constantly toying with the idea of selling up and moving somewhere where I could have the horse at home, but we are currently restricted by having teenagers in the thick of A levels etc.
So, how old is too old??
Oh, forgot to say, she's just gone 11.
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Mrs Vlacq
Platinum Member
Wales
3776 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2008 : 9:59:18 PM
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| We have had visiting mares well into their teens (and retiring from competition) that have had super foals and thrived on it... she has a couple of years yet! There are a lot of variable factors but don't rule it out |
    
- V Khazad - V Calacirya & V Sulime - Quarida(L) - V Boogie Knights - V Hamra Tofiq |
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Tahir
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4572 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2008 : 10:01:36 PM
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Definitely not too old. I have known mares to have their first foal at 16+, but obviously this depends on the mare, her history and her temperament.
As they get older, it does get more difficult to get them in foal, but not impossible.
Good luck, and I hope you get the chance to move somewhere that is suitable to breed and keep your own foal, it will be very rewarding!!!
Carla, xx. |
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Em
Silver Member
England
349 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2008 : 10:06:25 PM
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My mare has just had her first foal at 14, she had a lovely colt and she looks better then ever.
Good Luck it is a great experience!
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rosyw
Platinum Member
England
3756 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2008 : 10:18:26 PM
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I had a lovely mare, retired through injury in her late teens who had gorgeous foal when she was 20 - gave her a new lease of life everyone said I was wrong to put her in foal so late in life but she was a wonderful mum |
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skinny sue
Bronze Member
England
219 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2008 : 01:52:57 AM
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| I was asked by a lady on a near by farm to me to cover her partbred welsh mare with Billy, his first and hers. Shes a bonny little lady so I thought ok. Caught first time, looks great, due next month. Shes 22 and the vet said everything is perfect. |
sue p |
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vjc
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4952 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2008 : 10:17:22 AM
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| hi there, i am sure providing your mare is having regular seasons and her health is ok she will be fine, a lot of mares have their first foals well into there teens when they have finished there peak age at the shows. Once they have had a foal and had no problems they can then go on for a few years more being a mum. Best of luck. Verena. |
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kastell
Silver Member
France
430 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2008 : 10:17:34 AM
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| My part bred mare had her first foal when she was 13, no problems! I know another pure bred mare who had her first foal at 19 years old! I was told by a couple of breeders that after 13 years old they can start to loose their fertility but I would imagine that it depends on the individual horse, like Tahir has said. |
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Mrs DJ
Gold Member
632 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2008 : 8:40:17 PM
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Thanks.
Looks like she's got a few years yet, then.
If ever I get round to it, does anyone have any suggestions as to what bloodlines I should be looking for in a suitable boyfriend??
She's very high percentage Crabbet (about 98%). (I'm a complete novice about these things  ) |
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