Questions about breeding my mare??????

Hi, id like to know what you guys opinions are about breeding my AQHA mare for the first time at 18. I know that foaling is really stressful on the body but the only time she's ever been unhealthy was when she got really skinny because someone couldnt afford to feed her. But she got the greatest disposition and conformation (Impressive), and she is an awsome ride. All her gaits are beautiful.
At five she went to state and got either 4th or 7th, so I hope shed pass the trainability on to her baby if I decide to breed her. Please tell me what you think about this, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

I don't know if it is true or not, but I have heard from a few sources that breeding an older mare for the first time is more risky. I have heard it compared to woman in their 40's becoming pregnant (could be fine, could be complications). I don't really know if that is true or not, but if you think about it, there could be complications with any horse being bred.

If she is healthy and fit, it might be worth having a vet out to do a breeding soundness type exam on her.

One other thing you would want to know for sure is that she was HYPP N/N since she is impressive bred. No matter how nice she is, you don't want to risk passing on such a horrible inherited disorder.

I bred a mare at 20yrs old. Her first foal. He turned out better than ever, nothing wrong. But yes AKpaint luver is right, it is more risky. But its only just as possible with a young mare....

I suggest to ask your vet first, and if you get the ok,lightly excersise her until the final stages of the pregnancy. The more in shape they are, the easier the birth will go. Over working her would be worse than not woking her at all so don't push her.
Good Luck!

If she had one when she was younger then I would say go for it but with her being 18 and her first I would not breed her.

You should be fine breeding her. I would start some light exercise now and breed her in the spring. The biggest problem is getting them to take. You may need to give her a shot to bring her into season. Keeping her gently in shape will be good for her overall general health. Be sure to keep close tabs on her, especially when she gets close to foaling. Be sure to keep enough weight on her but don't let her get fat. Too much weight can be hard on them too. Do you have any experience in foaling? If not, I would have a phone number handy of someone who is, also an emergency # for the vet (which you should always have anyway) Generally, if they are going to have a problem foaling it is with their first foal. (though not always.) Good luck.