? breeding on foal heat

repetesis · 05-29-2007, 12:43 PM

Hi I have decided to breed my mare back. I would like some pros and cons on breeding on the foal heat?!?!
I have never done this. And am just wondering if it is harder to get them in foal? And is it harder to keep them in foal? So I come to all you HT guru's for advice. The stallion owner is wanting to breed now as aposed to later.
Thanks
Delia

dcandace · 05-29-2007, 12:46 PM

My husband's uncle raises TWH, and he almost always breeds on foal heat. I've never heard any cons from it from him. IMHO I think mares need a little break between foals, but that's just me.
He breeds up to 20 of his mares a year and doesn't have any problems with breeding on foal heat.

Bella's Favorite · 05-29-2007, 12:48 PM

I honestly don't know, but does the foal go somewhere else or stay? I've heard of stallions injuring foals that aren't their own when they breed with a mare who is in foal heat. Not to scare you or anything.

KatieMae · 05-29-2007, 12:58 PM

I don't believe in breeding during foal heat... I believe the mares need a break.. But, that's just my opinion..

miss leanne · 05-29-2007, 01:25 PM

depends on the mare, if she had a difficult pregnancy or delivery and if you want her to be used during her pregnancy.

I like to wait till the one after the foal heat, but that's just me.

gbarmranch · 05-29-2007, 01:25 PM

Our vet breeds in foal heat - we do with some seasoned mares that are in great condition, but we never do with maidens and their first foals. We do have mares that will not take a stallion in foal heat, so there really is no option..

Research that I have done from several equine facalities is really split almost 50 - 50; some say that the mare will settle better if bred back them, others say it is best to wait...

I guess it comes down to personal preference. However, we never breed a mare more then 4 years in a row without a year off, and if any mare seems to be losing weight, or appears to be "sucked down" by the foal, we wait and reaccess each cycle. Sometimes, they will get the year off too, or be bred for a fall foal...

Healthy mares produce healthy foals - overbreeding is unnecessary, cruel, and in no one's best interest...

repetesis · 05-29-2007, 02:22 PM

Ok, my mare is 13 yrs old and in great shape, this would be her fourth foal, ever. She had a very easy foaling and cleaned great. She is very healthy. And, has great foals. 2 of her 3 youngsters are headed for nationals this year! Her foals are very saleable. They have so far been sold by weaning.

MissLA-I never use a mare that is bred. They are either ridden or bred. One job is enough.

Gbar-
How is 1-2 foals every year or 2 over breeding? Our registry was started way back in the 70's and we have between 10-11,000 horses registered in North America.

I am not trying to be rude or start anything! What I am asking is who has bred on foal heats and has had success? And who has bred and hasn't had good luck? There seems to be many that breed on this board and I am just asking who has tried it.
I am thinking I will short cycle her and bred her on day 17-18. I have never bred on foal heat in the past and I think I will keep it that way.

gbarmranch · 05-29-2007, 02:25 PM

Nope - not what I said - I said we breed for three or four foals in a row from one mare - and then she gets a year off... Some folks breed one after another from a mare for 10 years in a row - I personally feel that this is pushing it to have a mare produce healthy foals year after year after year...

repetesis · 05-29-2007, 02:41 PM

Oh, ok, I agree with you on that. Some just breed them and burn them out. Thanks for the clarity.
Like I said, I have never bred on a foal heat (OUCH). I know how tender I was after childbirth. I am kinda being pushed and think I will wait.
This may be my mares last foal. She was my riding horse and I really miss her. Although, I did keep a daughter from her I want to do reining on. Most people use these horses for dressage, but this filly can spin and slide. She is just awesome to watch.

gbarmranch · 05-29-2007, 02:47 PM

I think most women who have had kiddos feel like you do - Foal heat

no way ...

miss leanne · 05-29-2007, 02:48 PM

Well, there are so many pros and cons to both breeding on a foal heat and waiting for the next heat, or even the one after that. I haven't seen anything bad happen from mares being bred on foal heats.

Sassy · 05-29-2007, 03:00 PM

This is a very interesting thread. I am to inexpertence to offer much in the way of advice, but I am curious to see what kind of info comes of this thread. We have bred seasoned mares in their foal heat our seacond year of breeding in 2005, and did very well. 3 out of the 4 mares caught in their foal heats! Now, I agree with gbarmranch. I don't think I would do it with a maiden mare, older mare or one that is not up to par health and fitness wise. Sort of asking for trouble there. We have a maiden mare here with her first foal at side. She is in great shape but she is timid and still unsure of the whole mom thing and very over protective of her filly. We have decided to give her more time before rebreeding her to allow her more time to get comfortable with her baby around the other horses and us.

gbarmranch · 05-29-2007, 03:07 PM

Sounds like Casey - she is just getting this mom thing down - Lily was a great first time mom, but Casey - nope... She has improved by being out in the pasture with the other moms... She will be breed back at 6 weeks... same as Lily, and then we will see about next year. We may give them both the spring and summer off, and breed for fall foals...

Your mare is seasoned and has produced foals that are showing - I think she is fine to breed as you are planning and we get to see another great baby born next spring...

ToveroMom · 05-29-2007, 05:18 PM

Especially on older mares[that are in good shape] foal heat breedings are a good way to up the conceptions.
Horses ain't humans-they do not think of or are physically like us.
If the mare is in good shape-there is no problem to me.
Foals are usually held next to or in a pen near to Mama during the breedings. I would not do a "turn them out in the pasture" deal with a mare and stallion-who do not routinely run together. I have never heard of foals getting killed in a situation like that.
OK maybe in that mustang movie but those are not the same situation at all

Linebacker55 · 05-29-2007, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToveroMom

Especially on older mares[that are in good shape] foal heat breedings are a good way to up the conceptions.
Horses ain't humans-they do not think of or are physically like us.
If the mare is in good shape-there is no problem to me.
Foals are usually held next to or in a pen near to Mama during the breedings. I would not do a "turn them out in the pasture" deal with a mare and stallion-who do not routinely run together. I have never heard of foals getting killed in a situation like that.
OK maybe in that mustang movie but those are not the same situation at all

DITTO.... but we usually do not breed on foal heats, unless we want to move up the birth date of the foal. Our vet did suggest a flush if we want to breed on foal heats though, so we do that. Not too much more expensive and it is a safety measure.

miss leanne · 05-29-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToveroMom

OK maybe in that mustang movie but those are not the same situation at all

Gotta love Tmom -- she'll draw that line between fact and fiction every time.

Which is a good thing, for sure.

gbarmranch · 05-29-2007, 07:01 PM

Agreed

We have a special set up so the foal is protected - and are building a new one for next spring...

I wouldn't risk a mare and foal with a stallion that isn't used to them either - a disaster in the making

Range · 05-29-2007, 07:48 PM

I wouldn't breed on foal heat, but that's just me. Have you seen the gook that comes out of the mare at foal heat? They use that time to "clean" themselves out. Their body is getting back into shape. Now, LB says they flush the mare first, so maybe that would take care of the cleaning out part...

Plus, that's right when the bacteria in the foal's gut is changing, often giving them the runs. Unless your stud is on your place, I would think that the stress of the situation would add to that problem.

ToveroMom · 05-29-2007, 10:41 PM

That is why you flush a mare

I always do-cheap and really can help your conception by getting rid of any minor to major issues.

gbarmranch · 05-30-2007, 05:31 AM

Range, we have hauled mom and baby before with no issues... although we usually do probotics before they leave.. We are also very careful about the barn they go to - which helps make a big difference...

05-29-2007, 12:43 PM
repetesis Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sicamous, BC Posts: 665	? breeding on foal heat Hi I have decided to breed my mare back. I would like some pros and cons on breeding on the foal heat?!?! I have never done this. And am just wondering if it is harder to get them in foal? And is it harder to keep them in foal? So I come to all you HT guru's for advice. The stallion owner is wanting to breed now as aposed to later. Thanks Delia __________________ ~~Delia~~ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~Elenore Roosevelt~

05-29-2007, 12:46 PM
dcandace Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hart County, KY Posts: 494	My husband's uncle raises TWH, and he almost always breeds on foal heat. I've never heard any cons from it from him. IMHO I think mares need a little break between foals, but that's just me. He breeds up to 20 of his mares a year and doesn't have any problems with breeding on foal heat.

05-29-2007, 12:48 PM
Bella's Favorite Halter broke Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 188	I honestly don't know, but does the foal go somewhere else or stay? I've heard of stallions injuring foals that aren't their own when they breed with a mare who is in foal heat. Not to scare you or anything. __________________ Faith, Trust and a little Straw Dust

05-29-2007, 12:58 PM
KatieMae Seasoned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: C.FLA Posts: 4,195	I don't believe in breeding during foal heat... I believe the mares need a break.. But, that's just my opinion..

05-29-2007, 01:25 PM
miss leanne Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,524	depends on the mare, if she had a difficult pregnancy or delivery and if you want her to be used during her pregnancy. I like to wait till the one after the foal heat, but that's just me.

05-29-2007, 01:25 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Our vet breeds in foal heat - we do with some seasoned mares that are in great condition, but we never do with maidens and their first foals. We do have mares that will not take a stallion in foal heat, so there really is no option.. Research that I have done from several equine facalities is really split almost 50 - 50; some say that the mare will settle better if bred back them, others say it is best to wait... I guess it comes down to personal preference. However, we never breed a mare more then 4 years in a row without a year off, and if any mare seems to be losing weight, or appears to be "sucked down" by the foal, we wait and reaccess each cycle. Sometimes, they will get the year off too, or be bred for a fall foal... Healthy mares produce healthy foals - overbreeding is unnecessary, cruel, and in no one's best interest... __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

05-29-2007, 02:22 PM
repetesis Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sicamous, BC Posts: 665	Ok, my mare is 13 yrs old and in great shape, this would be her fourth foal, ever. She had a very easy foaling and cleaned great. She is very healthy. And, has great foals. 2 of her 3 youngsters are headed for nationals this year! Her foals are very saleable. They have so far been sold by weaning. MissLA-I never use a mare that is bred. They are either ridden or bred. One job is enough. Gbar- How is 1-2 foals every year or 2 over breeding? Our registry was started way back in the 70's and we have between 10-11,000 horses registered in North America. I am not trying to be rude or start anything! What I am asking is who has bred on foal heats and has had success? And who has bred and hasn't had good luck? There seems to be many that breed on this board and I am just asking who has tried it. I am thinking I will short cycle her and bred her on day 17-18. I have never bred on foal heat in the past and I think I will keep it that way. __________________ ~~Delia~~ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~Elenore Roosevelt~

05-29-2007, 02:25 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Nope - not what I said - I said we breed for three or four foals in a row from one mare - and then she gets a year off... Some folks breed one after another from a mare for 10 years in a row - I personally feel that this is pushing it to have a mare produce healthy foals year after year after year... __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

05-29-2007, 02:41 PM
repetesis Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sicamous, BC Posts: 665	Oh, ok, I agree with you on that. Some just breed them and burn them out. Thanks for the clarity. Like I said, I have never bred on a foal heat (OUCH). I know how tender I was after childbirth. I am kinda being pushed and think I will wait. This may be my mares last foal. She was my riding horse and I really miss her. Although, I did keep a daughter from her I want to do reining on. Most people use these horses for dressage, but this filly can spin and slide. She is just awesome to watch. __________________ ~~Delia~~ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~Elenore Roosevelt~

05-29-2007, 02:47 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	I think most women who have had kiddos feel like you do - Foal heat no way ... __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

05-29-2007, 02:48 PM
miss leanne Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,524	Well, there are so many pros and cons to both breeding on a foal heat and waiting for the next heat, or even the one after that. I haven't seen anything bad happen from mares being bred on foal heats.

05-29-2007, 03:00 PM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,338	This is a very interesting thread. I am to inexpertence to offer much in the way of advice, but I am curious to see what kind of info comes of this thread. We have bred seasoned mares in their foal heat our seacond year of breeding in 2005, and did very well. 3 out of the 4 mares caught in their foal heats! Now, I agree with gbarmranch. I don't think I would do it with a maiden mare, older mare or one that is not up to par health and fitness wise. Sort of asking for trouble there. We have a maiden mare here with her first foal at side. She is in great shape but she is timid and still unsure of the whole mom thing and very over protective of her filly. We have decided to give her more time before rebreeding her to allow her more time to get comfortable with her baby around the other horses and us. __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

05-29-2007, 03:07 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Sounds like Casey - she is just getting this mom thing down - Lily was a great first time mom, but Casey - nope... She has improved by being out in the pasture with the other moms... She will be breed back at 6 weeks... same as Lily, and then we will see about next year. We may give them both the spring and summer off, and breed for fall foals... Your mare is seasoned and has produced foals that are showing - I think she is fine to breed as you are planning and we get to see another great baby born next spring... __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

05-29-2007, 05:18 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 17,059	Especially on older mares[that are in good shape] foal heat breedings are a good way to up the conceptions. Horses ain't humans-they do not think of or are physically like us. If the mare is in good shape-there is no problem to me. Foals are usually held next to or in a pen near to Mama during the breedings. I would not do a "turn them out in the pasture" deal with a mare and stallion-who do not routinely run together. I have never heard of foals getting killed in a situation like that. OK maybe in that mustang movie but those are not the same situation at all

05-29-2007, 07:01 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Agreed We have a special set up so the foal is protected - and are building a new one for next spring... I wouldn't risk a mare and foal with a stallion that isn't used to them either - a disaster in the making __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

05-29-2007, 07:48 PM
Range Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 6,738	I wouldn't breed on foal heat, but that's just me. Have you seen the gook that comes out of the mare at foal heat? They use that time to "clean" themselves out. Their body is getting back into shape. Now, LB says they flush the mare first, so maybe that would take care of the cleaning out part... Plus, that's right when the bacteria in the foal's gut is changing, often giving them the runs. Unless your stud is on your place, I would think that the stress of the situation would add to that problem. __________________ "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all... you just might get it all, and then some you don't want." Chris Daughtery

05-29-2007, 10:41 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 17,059	That is why you flush a mare I always do-cheap and really can help your conception by getting rid of any minor to major issues.

05-30-2007, 05:31 AM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Range, we have hauled mom and baby before with no issues... although we usually do probotics before they leave.. We are also very careful about the barn they go to - which helps make a big difference... __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo