mare and reproduction

[crisco41]

If you were going to look at a 7 yr old mini that has been running with a stallion but was not bred would you have concerns with her reporoductive health? Esp if said stallion did in fact impregnate another mare?

My vet said mini's can be hard to get into foal. Do folks find that to be true?

 

[disneyhorse]

You are looking to purchase the mare?

Minis are no more difficult to get in foal than larger horses.

I would be wary of this mare if you are looking for a broodmare, particularly if you don't feel the stallion has fertility issues.

 

[targetsmom]

I agree with Disney horse except on one point. I agree that minis are probably no more difficult to GET in foal than larger horses. But I think we can't ignore the "elephant in the room" of dwarfism. I think minis are more likely to have an early abortion/slip the foal due to dwarfism, but it may not be noticed except as a mare that didn't get in foal that year.

My own experience is that you can have bad luck even with mares with the BEST foaling history, so I too, would be wary of this one if breeding is what you want.

ETA: Of course, if the stallion was running with both mares at the same time,. perhaps he just preferred the other mare! We hand breed, but our stallion has definite preferences and if Mira is in heat the same time as another mare, we have to hide her so Buckshot will focus on the other mare! Hide her somewhere and it's no problem at all....

 

[Becky]

I would be wanting to know her reproductive history. Has she had foals before and when? Recent foaling, she's probably fine. Several years since the last one, could be a red flag. Best bet is to have a reproductive exam done on her by a veterinarian before purchase.

 

[rabbitsfizz]

As Becky says, look at her history. If she has had a foal every year til now and all by that stallion, then no, I would not be worried, my mares will have a year off every so often and I never worry. If she has a poor breeding history I would want some sort of guarantee or I would walk away.

 

[HGFarm]

I HAVE had more difficulties with getting Minis in foal more than I have had with the full sized ones. YES, I would be very concerned why she doesnt get in foal and would want a culture, to have a vet see if she is even cycling and also pull blood for a thyroid check. Low thyroid will prevent them from becoming pregnant and I speak from this with personal experience now and my vet as well (who used to raise Minis and handles many of the farms here)

Thyroid issues can come up any time, even if they have had a foal previously .. is she over weight or hefty?

 

[crisco41]

I did not get your posts today and went and looked at the mare. She is not heavy by any means. It seems she has an 8 month old filly at her side.(which i did not know) so obviously had a foal in the past. She is a petite little thing.

yeah..I brought them home.

thanks for the words of wisdom. I forgot to come back and check but guess when I asked the question I didn't have all the information I needed:

 

[Rhondaalaska]

Send us pics. Would love to see them