how old is too old to have a foal??

[connieD]

just wondering up to what age a mare can be put in foal. i know it depends if they have had one in the past. my girl is in her 20's. she may have had a foal but if so before she was 7. wondering if she is too old to be put in foal now??

[skye06]

A lot can depend on the individual horse, If shes in good condition and hasn't any medical conditions then there should be no reason not to but I'd check with your vet first. Just be advised that the older the horse like with humans complications are slightly more common and given age more dangerous.

[emlybob]

Some mares carry on having foals through into there twenties. I wouldn't advise it if she has never had a foal before but if she has then thats not too bad. But you are taking more risks breeding from an older mare just like you would with a person.
I would get the vet to check her all over including her heart and lungs to make sure she really is as fit and healthy as you think. If all ok then go ahead and good luck

[FudgieFoo]

From the stuff I've learnt from putting my 17 yo madien into foal the vet, stud managers & their vets all advised me that at 17 she may not take as, like women, she may have stopped ovulating. She took on the second time after they flushed her out (older mares are more prone to retaining fluid).

Best thing to do is have her checked out by a vet and scanned to see if she is still ovulating.

I was told by my vet she shouldn't have any additional problems carrying the foal than a younger horse but the hard bit is getting them into foal.