Too late to cover a mare?

[darkhorse]

We have tried our mare under saddle after she has had many years as a brood mare, she is ok but her nerves get the better of her in the showring so was going to put her back in foal this year, I met a man today who is well used to breeding and he said it is far too late and the foal wont to well being born in August as winter is on its way, I dont mind waiting until the spring, but just wondered if anyone has any views on putting a mare to the stallion now or in the first week of September?

[Guestless]

Depends on your facilities. There are foals born in August/September but it does put them at a disadvantage during their early years, ie horses are classes as yearlings from 1st January, but a September foal would only be 4 months old and therefore much less mature than others if being shown. I imagine a late foal would also be best living in during the winter as it won't have had as much time to grow strong.

[Flyingbuck]

I personally think it's too late, but apart from the points made by guestless, it would also depend on the breed/type of mare.
Native breeders don't seem to mind having later foals quite so much as say thoroughbred or warmblood breeders.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[smokeycott]

i would wait and cover early next year that way you will have all the best of spring summer and autumn and will be well grown to be weaned and then the mare wont have a big foal dragging her down before the winter.

[darkhorse]

Thank you for the good solid advice, I shall wait until the spring to ensure the foal has a good start with hopefully some good weather Cheers folks

[diadem]

If she s oing to be kept at grass, no. i wouldnt personally. Having foals later gives them less of a head start on the winter. Good luck with her.

[bowditchblobs]

Iv got a riding pony 2yr old born in august, hes very weedy, tried showing him completley pointless, well apart from getting him out. Im going to have to wait until 2010 to back him realy as well.

[cyflawn]

I think the best time would be to cover her in may next year...getting you an April foal this way you will be on your way into summer so the weather will be jsut right and hopefully not to cold

[darkhorse]

Thank you, she has shoes off and turned away until the spring.

[flagmountmolly08]

most studs arent taking any mares, my mare is due in june 09. so hopefully it should be nice and warm.. and enough time to poss to build a new stable!