How old is to old to breed?

Thunderz Gurlz · 08-15-2008, 10:23 PM

I have never bred a horse, But We just got a pretty buckskin mare. I Was just wondering how old is to old to breed?

pippy · 08-15-2008, 10:27 PM

In my opinion, it depends on the mare. I bought a 22 yr. old broodmare who was pregnant at the time. After that foal, I waited a year and bred her back..figuring if she took then good, if not then ok. She took and so at 25 yrs old, she had her last foal. She is retired now.

ARSPSB · 08-15-2008, 10:32 PM

I personally think once they have hit 20 yrs old they have earned theyre retirement. Then again Im one of these people that think people need to stop breeding so much. So I wouldnt risk my older mare.

breburtch · 08-16-2008, 08:59 AM

It all depends on the mare and what kind of shape she's in etc. I personally wouldn't breed a mare thats over 20 years old no matter how healthy she is.
But I know theres a lot of people out there that breed mares that are like 25 and up

ThorArb · 08-16-2008, 09:28 AM

There are several factors that I would consider before breeding an older mare. A definite breeding exam is in order, take into consideration her current health and how many previous foals she has had. Look into the future as well. A nursing foal takes a lot out of a younger healthy mare as it is.

Personally my broodmare is only 18 and is breeding sound per vet check. However she has had WAY too many foals in her short years- 12 to be exact. So I decided that she will no longer be bred anymore, even though my vet feels confident that she would be fine. I just dont feel comfortable with the idea right now, no matter how much I want a foal to replace her.

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08-15-2008, 10:23 PM
Thunderz Gurlz Greenbroke Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: South West Michigan Posts: 3,569	How old is to old to breed? I have never bred a horse, But We just got a pretty buckskin mare. I Was just wondering how old is to old to breed? __________________ Proud Owner To Pogo 15 yr old Quarter Pony Mare Thunder 30 yr old Hackney/Quarter Pony Gelding

08-15-2008, 10:27 PM
pippy Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 1,055	In my opinion, it depends on the mare. I bought a 22 yr. old broodmare who was pregnant at the time. After that foal, I waited a year and bred her back..figuring if she took then good, if not then ok. She took and so at 25 yrs old, she had her last foal. She is retired now. __________________ Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.\" â€“ Swami Sivananda Saraswati

08-15-2008, 10:32 PM
ARSPSB Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: maricopa, arizona Posts: 483	>> I personally think once they have hit 20 yrs old they have earned theyre retirement. Then again Im one of these people that think people need to stop breeding so much. So I wouldnt risk my older mare.

08-16-2008, 08:59 AM
breburtch Coming two Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ennismore, Ontario Posts: 1,863	It all depends on the mare and what kind of shape she's in etc. I personally wouldn't breed a mare thats over 20 years old no matter how healthy she is. But I know theres a lot of people out there that breed mares that are like 25 and up

08-16-2008, 09:28 AM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,443	There are several factors that I would consider before breeding an older mare. A definite breeding exam is in order, take into consideration her current health and how many previous foals she has had. Look into the future as well. A nursing foal takes a lot out of a younger healthy mare as it is. Personally my broodmare is only 18 and is breeding sound per vet check. However she has had WAY too many foals in her short years- 12 to be exact. So I decided that she will no longer be bred anymore, even though my vet feels confident that she would be fine. I just dont feel comfortable with the idea right now, no matter how much I want a foal to replace her.