BREEDING FOUNDERED MARE

[LAZY J MINIS]

I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSED BEFORE ..BUT.. AT THE TIME IT DIDN'T APPLY TO ME. I HAVE A MARE WHO HAS FOUNDERED BUT IS IN GREAT SHAPE NOW, NO SIGNS IN HER HOOVES OR LEGS AT ALL. THE PERSON WHO GAVE HER TO ME WOULD LIKE ME TO BREED HER. I KNOW SOME OF YOU DO BREED YOUR HORSES AND SOME DO NOT, MY QUESTION IS WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF DOING SO? WOULD IT CAUSE HER MORE PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE OR IF CONTROLLED WITH HER CURRENT FEEDING REGIMEN WOULD IT BE OK? I HAVEN'T MADE UP MY MIND BUT WOULD LIKE SOME INPUT. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

 

[MindyLee]

I have a mare who looked to have been foundered in the past (before I owned her) and since in my care, NO issues. I now have had a foal from her and prego again for this yr. NO ISSUES, so if you think she would be ok, then go for it. If still iffy, ask your vet and farrier to give a opinion.

 

[Lil' Horse Lover]

I used to own a mare that had foundered in the past (with her previous owners) and was bred and had a foal. Never had any problems again whatsoever. Of course I would definately consult your vet/farrier before you decide to breed her.

 

[supaspot]

my friend has a laminitic mare and Im sure she likes to keep her infoal as often as possible , I believe she has less problems when shes pregnant , its bannerminis if you pm her she would tell you of her own experiences

 

[kaykay]

I guess I will be the oddball and say no way would I breed a foundered mare. You never know when it is going to rear its ugly head. I have seen foundered minis do great for months and then unable to take a step.

The added weight and stress of a pregnancy just cannot be a good thing for an already compromised mare. Years ago I saw a foundered very pregnant mare and it broke my heart. That mare was hurting so bad and couldnt even take a step. One of the worst things I have ever witnessed.

With so many beautiful mares available for breeding, I see no reason to breed one with a history of founder.

 

[Michelle@wescofarms]

I have to agree with Kay on this.

There are too many Minis out there, unless a specific mare has some "oh my GAWD" irreplaceable genetics why put her through it?

But I feel the same about a mare that needs thyroid meds, (regumate mares), or any other issue - bad stifles, bite, etc.

The potential for any of those being genetically passed issues and with the number of quality mares out there, I'll pass.

 

[Marty]

Absolutely not. In the first place, once a founder, always a founder. This is a disease that a horse will never get over. It does not go away ever. It can and will rear its ugly head especially if you plan on breeding. Your mare does not need the extra weight in the first place and also she will need more food/protein/supplements as time progresses that can backfire on you big time. Also once the baby is born, its not fair to keep the baby away from grass and natural grazing just because her mother cannot have any grass. Just don't do it.

 

[disneyhorse]

I'd weigh the pros and cons. Breeding a mare that has a history of founder or laminitis means that the horse could be prone again... and therefore be a risk to the mare and require extra attention.

If the mare was a National Grand Champion mare that I had that always produced nice foals... I'd be more likely to risk it versus some mare that does not have a great show record or history of producing National quality foals. If it's just more of a pet-quality mare (even if it is generally "pretty" and "conformationally correct") I'd probably do the mare a favor and just let her be a nice mare! There really are too many animals (of all species) out there to breed "just to breed."

Andrea

 

[Knighthawke]

The vet I used to work for was a reproduction specialist and dealt a lot with foundered horses. He actually recommended if the mare is doing well to breed them and keep them infoal. He said it was healthier for them because with them caring a foal there body uses up the extra calories on the foal.

I personally have an appaloosa mare that I got given to me a few years back she had foundered and pretty bad. With a good farrier we got her sound and now you couldnt even tell she foundered and she carries a foal very year with no problems.

 

[WeeOkie]

I have a foundered mare that I used to love getting her pregnant. She was her happiest and healthiest when in foal or taking care of one.

She's older now so I don't breed her any more. So I think one could try it if they want to.

 

[LAZY J MINIS]

THANK YOU EVERYONE. ALL YOUR COMMENTS ARE BEING TAKEN TO HEART. I HAVE TALKED TO MY VET AND FARRIER, THEY SEEM TO THINK IT WOULD BE OK, BUT.. I'M NOT SURE IF I WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE WITH HER. IT'S NOT AS IF I DON'T HAVE OTHER MARES AND SHE LIKES GOING TO SCHOOLS AND DAYCARES AND OTHER PLACES. THANKS AGAIN, I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT I DECIDE.