My mare is pregnant and I have no idea by what.

I bought my 2year old filly in July of 2010, I noticed a small lump on her side around December, I kept a watch on it, I noticed again in February that the lump has gotten a little larger, I called the vet out and we decided to go ahead and palpate her before we do all her spring shots, it was then confirmed my 2 year old filly is going to be infact a mom herself. I have had horses for most of my life but never one that had a foal, she is a very moody mare on top of this. She is not very fat other than this lump on her side. I am very nervous for her. She is a aggressive eater and I am very worried that with her being so young that she may be so careless and hurt a foal, does anyone have any suggestions for me to help my mare get ready to be a mom. I have tried effortlessly to contact the prior owners of my mare and they will not answer my calls or emails.

Most mares maternal instincts will kick in when they have a foal, however maiden mares are definitely more likely to reject or be rough with their foal than seasoned mares. Make sure she is getting proper food for being in foal, and you watch her closely when she gets close to foaling. When do you think she's due? Do you have any pictures of her stomach and udder?

Most mares foal uneventfully, however of course there are risks and her being young could be potentially a problem. I've known people that bred horses young and their's seemed fine. I hope everything goes well for your filly and foal!

Another thing you can do is get her used to her udder being handled. Some maidens won't let the foal nurse, so if she's already used to that it should be easier. Just be careful and make sure she doesn't kick you if she doesn't like you doing that!

Yes I am working with her on this, she does not like it at all. I am trying to be very patient with her. I have already put her on a mare and foal grain and mare plus supplement, I am reading up on everything I can get my eyes on.

Thats good you are working with her on that. One thing I have read is you can take a warm cloth when you touch the udder and sometimes they will be more accepting. The book, "Blessed are the Broodmares" is an excellent one for mares in foal. Do you have a stall/small paddock she can foal in - somewhere where you can keep a close eye on her?

Can you post pictures?

Do you have a photo of this "lump"? Foals don't really stick out like lumps.. just wondering what you might mean?

I haven't downloaded the pictures that I took today as of yet, but I agree that I thought mares usually had a large round belly when pregnant, but my little girl is not doing this at all as of yet. The vet feels she is about 8.5 months pregnant. I have her next check up the first week in May.

Very curious to see photos.

Some maidens carry very high though and won't show very much. Does seem wierd about it looking like a lump on her side though.