As a 16 yo maiden, I would expect her to take several times of AI to catch. She may or may not settle because at her age she may not produce enough of the hormones to make the embryo 'stick'. She's also more likely to have a 'dummy' foal and that comes with its own set of issues, near term and far reaching. My rule of thumb is pretty much 13 years old as the oldest maiden I'd breed. She could catch on the first time with live cover, but retention could still be an issue. I'd have to be in the 'buy a foal' camp. I'm sure she's pretty, but do you even know her pedigree? Her 5 panel status? There are a LOT of reasons why I would not breed and very few for why I would.
When is a mare too old to breed?
Hello all
A lady I ride with and have been good friends with was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and I have inherited her mare. She is a Palomino quarter horse, maybe 16yo (could be 1 or 2 years older). I do not know her exact DOB, but I know that she has never had a foal.
I am having a vet come out in a month to do the yearly vet check, and I'll bring it up with them as well, but just thought I would see what the community had to say.
Is she too old to have a foal? Would it be too hard for her since she is getting up in years? She goes into season EVERY MONTH ... so I know she is still capable.
I'm a newbie to breeding. It's been 20 years since I've last had a pregnant mare so I'm just throwing around the idea. I also just watched videos of foals on youtube so I'm baby crazy right now!
A lady I ride with and have been good friends with was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and I have inherited her mare. She is a Palomino quarter horse, maybe 16yo (could be 1 or 2 years older). I do not know her exact DOB, but I know that she has never had a foal.
I am having a vet come out in a month to do the yearly vet check, and I'll bring it up with them as well, but just thought I would see what the community had to say.
Is she too old to have a foal? Would it be too hard for her since she is getting up in years? She goes into season EVERY MONTH ... so I know she is still capable.
I'm a newbie to breeding. It's been 20 years since I've last had a pregnant mare so I'm just throwing around the idea. I also just watched videos of foals on youtube so I'm baby crazy right now!
