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Post by angieintx on Apr 1, 2007 22:33:59 GMT -5
I am just looking for advice about breeding a mare we have. Just a little background, she is a reg AQHA mare, 22-years old and comes from wonderful "cowy" bloodlines...Poco Bueno, Doc Bar, etc. Anyway, long story short we inherited her from a family friend and are thinking about breeding her. We would love a foal from her because of the bloodlines she has. Some people say she is too old, while others say it should not be a problem. I don't think she has ever had a colt before, which is why I am so concerned.
Please let me know what you think. We have not been breeding quarter horses for the past few years, just draft horses, so we are not just some backyard breeder trying to get a colt. We certainly do not want to do anything to jeopardize our mare. Thanks for your opinions.
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Post by chrystalpaths on Apr 2, 2007 7:19:03 GMT -5
Can you post a pic of her? I don't feel she wants or will be bred but seeing her would help.
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bndranch
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 Tractor Tire Kicker
Sleep tight my sweet Larkin.....02/08/07-02/11/07
Posts: 1,488
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Post by bndranch on Apr 2, 2007 11:05:05 GMT -5
First and foremost I would have a breeding exam done on your mare. This will be able to tell you whether or not at her age she is breeding sound to even concieve or able to maintain a pregnancy.
Second if the mare is a maiden, or hasn't had a foal in a few years she will be alot more difficult to get in foal.
And third and most important is her health. If she is down in her weight or a hard keeper those are both signs that its not a good idea. Pregnancy is tough on mares and add age to that and nursing a foal will bring your mare down.
On those notes my parents bred their appy mare sucessfully until her last foal at 24 or 25 I believe. She was in excellent shape and had no trouble with the pregnancy however her last foal really pulled alot out of her with nursing. This mare is 30 this year and still looks REALLY good for her age.
There are other options like embryo transfer (but really spendy) you could try. But again nobody knows the mare as well as you do. I would definately contact your vet and see what they have to say.
Good luck
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Post by angieintx on Apr 2, 2007 11:32:58 GMT -5
Thanks for your advice. I have already scheduled the vet to come take a look at her, so I will definitely follow what he says. She is in excellent shape, not just for her age but any age. We have a draft colt that is almost 2 now, and she really thinks that is her baby already.
We are just going to see what the vet says and go from there. Thanks again for your advice.
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