Sorry you're having such problems, but some years are just like that with breeding.
I've delivered upwards of 150+ foals in the past 12 years and have lost foals for various reasons - one to hip lock (1), twisted cord (2) dystocias, not getting out of the sac (2), died after birth, etc. I've delivered foals with a leg back, bad positioned dystocias, hip lock that have all done well. Some years it's text book perfect without a mishap and then we had one year that I was ready for a padded cell. I've found foals dead at 1-3 months that look like they're sleeping (no rolling, blood, bloating) and you just say what???? WHY? It happens.
We were boarding another breeders herd and her new purchases came in, including a filly with pneumonia. That went through our yearlings, and one died. I was foaling out her mares (back when I was naive and dumb), and we lost ten foals total that year from dystocias, a rhotovirus and the pneumonia. Really was ready to give up. I was ready to get rid of all and just keep a few pets. Literally post-foaling I didn't want to do anything with the horses I was so upset. It took awhile to get the joy back.
I know we repeat this every year, but breeding isn't for the faint of heart and you have to be prepared for the losses. With the problem deliveries, my goal is let the mare be okay and if the foal survives that's a bonus. We're fortunate to be 15 minutes from UCDavis, and they've had a number of 'fun' foalings here. Dog-sitting upside down presentation, mare with to small a pelvis (not mine and she was put down), mare C-sectioned foal had all the intestines on the outside of the body. This stuff happens and there is no rhyme or reason.
As for our 'normal'. We do de-worm on a rotation and de-worm mares (Ivermectin) after foaling. The ONLY vaccine I give (we don't show now), is EEE/WEE/Tetanus. Mares 30 days +/- before foaling, the rest between Jan-May. Back when I first got Minis I did all the vaccines, messed endlessly with feeds, hovered over the herd, etc. I've tried different strategies over the years, and see pretty much the same results. My non-scientific observations - mares with dams that had no issues (healthy, vigorous, good milk, easy foaling, etc.) seem to have daughter's with the same tendencies.
This year, no cameras - as in all my repacking of my life the transmitter is AWOL. But we have cameras and foal alert halters (which my mares tend to not set off when foaling only when sleeping). I've found many of my mares deliver laying like a cow up on their sternum, not flat out after the initial push, so the 'beeper' didn't go off.
I would be cautious on over-use of selenium unless you are sure it's necessary. Selenium amounts differ in horses and we use to give selenium shots/vit D, but my vet said it really wasn't necessary. I do have a couple of horse from one line that seem to need more. One was gelded and UCD remarked he needed it, his sister will lock up in back if she isn't given selenium too.
We feed alfalfa and our horses are on pasture 24/7. White, selenium and mineral salt blocks and clean water. I haven't grained horses in two years, but do know everyone's circumstances are different. Our pasture this year is keeping the horses butcher fat. I've had to worry about founder this year for the first time. They get alot of exercise up and down the hills (63 acres of up/down), which I think contributes to good muscle tone and easier delivery too.
But to answer your questions.
Q1. Should we give Rhino shots more often, especially during show season (we do show and can't really separate the show and non-show horses)?
We don't give Rhino. Closed herd and new horses are quarantined. Show horses should be kept separate and vaccinated for pneumonia/rhino, etc. If you can keep at least 25 feet between show and others that would help alot. If you're suspicious you have it in your herd get the vet out to test..
Q2. Guess we should always give the Pneumabort shots??? That seems to be a "Yes".
I won't give this. Vets say give it, but too many people have lost foals within a day or so of giving it, so we don't.
Q3. Should we use Regumate on all the mares?
I won't give Regumate. Personal view, but a healthy mare shouldn't need it IMHO. I won't buy a breeding mare that needs Regumate to carry a foal. It may be useful, but if a mare needs it, I tend to view that as a flaw. It's like thyroid meds. I won't knowingly buy a horse that requires medication.
Q4. Should we have every dead foal necropsied? Just found out yesterday how inexpensive and easy this is, and wish I had known when Max died. The lab at UConn charges LESS for a necropsy than we paid for burial (or than they charge for disposal). I think the answer here is YES.
Most necropsies will come back inconclusive, so a waste of $$ IMHO. By the time you find it, there will be contamination unless it dies in a sterile environment.
Q5. Should we change stallions/mares? We did re-home one mare that we couldn't get to settle after years of trying, but I would really hate to do this without specific reasons. The 2 foals that didn't get out of the sac were sired by different stallions. Our stallion is about 30" and the mares are either about the same size or taller. We do not plan to breed Sox again, even though her foaling history before we got her is outstanding (and why we bought her). We will be training her to drive.
Foals not getting out of the sac, can be prevented if the foal is born alive, but if you find one with placenta attached, etc., chances are it was dead before delivery. When you have the vet out you might want to have your stallion checked (good to know his normal body temp too. Stallions can carry low grade infections that kill sperm, also if he is carrying anything that might be given to your mares, discuss this with the vet and see if a course of antibiotics might be in order.
Some mares/stallions don't like each other. Minis are picky that way. I've had ones flat will NOT breed to each other. I do pasture breed though as it works for me.
Q6. Is there something inherently "wrong" with our breeding stock?
No
Q7. One thing I have considered is to buy a "three-in-one package" but our finances are not great at the moment. If hubby gets a job, we might think more about this one.
LOL. Easier than breeding!
I wouldn't give up. I think it's good to always question and modify what you're doing, but other than finding out about the Rhino if it is an issue, I think you've just had a series of crappy luck.
