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Posted by PH Cody on September 30, 2002 at 08:38:21:

In Reply to: What is the Oldest Age you should breed a Mare. posted by Wallflower on September 28, 2002 at 18:12:37:

:I have a 22-year-old Arab mare that I really want to breed for my next horse, but I don't know if she'll be alright. I have seen some broodmares that are her age and still breeding but I am a little worried. She is in great condition and still acts like she's 3 but I have heard that you should stop breeding them after they are 15. any input would be greatly appreciated!

:Confused
:Afton

:StrawBEHRryDream@aol.com

Hi Afton-

I'll get Dr. Yates in here to answer this when he gets a moment to do so, but before then, it would help to know a few more things about your mare in order to make the answer more specific.

How many foals has your mare had? And when did she foal last? When was her last vet check?

Generally speaking, 15 is usually fine for breeding, especially if she's foaled before. We had a 17 year old foal this past Spring, her first foal. Then I have a 25 year old that foaled at 23, 21 and 19 that I know of.

Again, speaking in general terms, its harder on a mare if its her first baby. But a mare who has been foaling throughout her life, will have an easier time of it. An older mare will have a higher risk of complications such as uterine torsion, torn muscles, tendons, etc. in the abdomin, and general labor complications, but they aren't that much higher at 15. I've heard of mares foaling well into their 20's and even a mare or two foaling in their 30's. The biggest complication you have with older mares is that their uterus can get pretty scarred up with foaling, making it more difficult to get them bred as the embryo has to have a good amount of viable uterine wall to attach to and get blood through. Too much scarring can prevent that.

Other than that, I'll let Dr. Yates put in his thoughts :)

PH Cody

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