what age can mares be put in foal

[fox111]

Excuse my igmorance but at what age do you put your horse-ponies in foal?

we bought a conni mare who had a foal before we bought her at she didnt stop growing until she was 6 yrs.

I have a well developed rising 3 yr old and wondered how old she would have to be to breed from her, i have had slot of youngster but never bred them myself.

[pencaedu]

We bought a 3 y.o. filly from the sales this year who went to the stallion the next day. Unfortunately she didn't catch, probably because it was a little late in the season.

[Guestless]

Lots of breeders cover mares in their 3rd year. Only thing I would say if you haven't bred before is that you may be better to gain some experience with an older broodmare first - maiden mares can have more problems to overcome......having said that, I've bred from maiden mares twice (only bred 3 times) and never had major problems.

[crimson]

I personally would gernerally not have a problem putting one of mine in foal from 3 years old upwards.

I know all horses are different though and I know lots of people will say they put fillies in foal as 2 year olds and it was the best thing they ever did etc etc, but personally I think waiting an extra year until they are 3 can only be a good thing.

Some mares may not even be ready at 3 though, nothing is black and white.

[vjc]

Nothing wrong with breeding off a three year old providing they are mature enough, although i do not agree with it if the mare is a slow developer or has had a poor upbringing. Also only breed if you are prepared to stand by the result if the foal is not what you expected, after all the foal did not ask to be born, and so many foals seem to end up at markets or in inexperienced hands. On the whole breeding can be very rewarding if the right approach is taken, good luck.

[Deleted]

I cover all my 3yo; it does them good to have a baby before they have a ridden career, in my opinion.

[vjc]

Yep i agree it can help to mature some mares, also if you are showing it can give them a much deeper look.

[sarahp]

I tend to cover them at 3yo if it suits my system - not if it's one I will be selling anyway, but those I'm keeping to ride I do. It also gives you an idea of how they produce early on, and I'm very happy for them to be ridden later rather than earlier, that puts far more strain on them than having a foal! I do sometimes have them backed in their 3yo autumn when in foal, then turned away until after weaning.

[Emma_X]

so how olds to old for a first foal?

[lilo]

Hi I have always bred maiden mares. We cover them as 3yr olds and then break as a five year old. I have found this to mature the mares temperament especially the show ponies as they settle to being mums. We have never had any problems with foaling infact my 2 lead rein ponies gave birth out in the field and we got a nice suprise when we got home to bring them in. Good luck with your mare. Everyone has to start somewhere and a 3yr old is just as good a place as any. ;D