So, I’ve been getting this question a lot lately: “How old can a mare be and still have a foal?” I figured it was time to put my own experiences down in writing, so here we go!
My First Foray into Mare Breeding
My journey started with Bella, my beautiful, albeit slightly stubborn, chestnut mare. I got her when she was already 10, and I always dreamed of breeding her. I mean, who wouldn’t want a mini-Bella running around? But I was clueless. I literally Googled “old lady horse baby” (don’t judge!). That’s how green I was.
Digging into the Research
After my initial, less-than-scientific search, I started to get a bit more serious. I read a bunch of stuff, some of it super confusing, but the general idea was this:
- Mares are like people, kind of. Their “best” baby-making years are generally younger, like before 15.
- Older mares can still get pregnant, but it’s, well, trickier. Think of it like a grandma having a baby – possible, but with more potential bumps along the way.
- It’s not just about age. The mare’s overall health, past breeding history, and even her breed can play a big role.
The Vet Visit – Getting Down to Brass Tacks
Knowing I needed real advice, I called up Dr. Emily, my amazing vet. She came out, gave Bella a thorough check-up, and basically laid it all out for me.
Dr. Emily confirmed that while older mares can get pregnant, the risks go up. Things like:
- Lower fertility. It’s just harder for them to conceive.
- Higher chance of complications. Stuff like problems during pregnancy or foaling.
- The foal might have issues, too. Not always, but it’s something to consider.
My Decision with Bella (and Beyond!)
With Bella, we decided to give it a shot, but with extra careful monitoring. We did all sorts of tests and prepped her as much as possible. Sadly it did not work, the vet suspected it was due to scar tissue from an infection she had. We decided not to try again.
I did, later on, successfully breed another mare, Lily, who was 16. It took a few tries, and we had a few scares, but she eventually had a gorgeous, healthy colt! It was nerve-wracking, but so rewarding.
The Takeaway – It’s a Personal Choice (with Expert Advice!)
So, what did I learn from all this? Breeding an older mare isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s a big decision with lots of factors.
If I could offer advice, it is:
- Talk to your vet! Seriously, they’re the experts.
- Be realistic about the risks. It might not be easy, and it might not always work out.
- Put your mare’s well-being first. If it’s not in her best interest, don’t do it.
It’s a journey, for sure. But with the right knowledge and care, it can be an incredible one.
