At what age should you not breed a horse?

Quick Peek:

Breeding a mare is no walk in the park. It takes time, money, and effort. One crucial factor to consider is age. If your mare hasn’t had many foals, don’t breed her past 16. But hey, every mare is different, so consider her reproductive history, health, and conformation. And if you decide not to breed her, no worries! You can always adopt a foal or lease her to someone who wants to breed her.

When to Stop Breeding a Mare?

As horse enthusiasts, we all know that breeding is a crucial aspect of the equine industry. It’s a thrilling experience to watch a mare give birth to a foal and see it grow into a magnificent horse. However, breeding a mare is not an easy task, and it requires a lot of effort, time, and money. Moreover, it’s not always safe for the mare to breed, especially when she’s getting old. So, when should you stop breeding a mare?

The Age Factor

According to “nan,” a mare who’s had no foals or only one or two should not be bred past 16. This is because as mares get older, their reproductive system becomes less efficient, and they become more prone to complications during pregnancy and foaling. However, if a mare has been regularly bred and is able to manage pregnancies well, she can be bred as old as 25, though most breeders will stop at 23.

Factors to Consider

Age is not the only factor to consider when deciding whether or not to breed a mare. There are several other factors that you should take into account, such as the mare’s health, reproductive history, and conformation. For instance, if a mare has had complications during previous pregnancies, it’s not advisable to breed her again. Similarly, if a mare has conformational issues that could affect her ability to carry a foal, it’s better not to breed her.

The Risks of Breeding an Old Mare

Breeding an old mare can be risky, both for the mare and the foal. As mares get older, they become more prone to reproductive problems such as uterine infections, cysts, and tumors. These conditions can make it difficult for the mare to conceive or carry a foal to term. Moreover, older mares are more likely to experience complications during foaling, such as dystocia (difficult birth), hemorrhage, and retained placenta.

Alternatives to Breeding

If you have an old mare that you don’t want to breed, there are several alternatives that you can consider. One option is to adopt a foal or a young horse and raise it as your own. This can be a rewarding experience, and it can provide you with a new equine companion without the risks and expenses of breeding. Another option is to lease your mare to someone who wants to breed her. This way, you can still earn money from your mare without taking on the risks and responsibilities of breeding.

The Bottom Line

Breeding a mare is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s essential to consider all the factors that could affect the mare’s health and well-being, as well as the foal’s. Age is one of the critical factors to consider, and as a general rule, mares should not be bred past 16 if they haven’t had many foals. However, each mare is unique, and her reproductive history, health, and conformation should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to breed her. Finally, if you decide not to breed your mare, there are several alternatives that you can consider, such as adopting a foal or leasing your mare to someone who wants to breed her.

References for “At What Age Should You Not Breed a Horse?”

“Breeding Older Mares” by Karen Briggs, The Horse, May 1, 2004.
“Horse Breeding: How Old is Too Old?” by Audrey Pavia, Horse Illustrated, March 16, 2017.
“Mare Age and Fertility” by Kentucky Equine Research Staff, Kentucky Equine Research, October 17, 2016.
“When to Stop Breeding a Mare” by Sue M. Copeland, Equisearch, December 14, 2015.
“What to Know About Breeding Older Mares” by Erica Larson, The Horse, May 22, 2017.