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  Discussion on Choosing a foaling unit
Author Message
Member:
Imogen

Posted on Friday, Mar 21, 2003 - 6:18 am:

Dear all

I am sending my mare away to be foaled because I don't have the experience and I live in a remote place where it's hard to get a vet quickly. I have two choices.

Number one is about half an hour by horsebox from here, a small yard of about 10 boxes with two foaling boxes, but by a main road, boxes have cameras etc. but I am not 100% convinced that the manager will be present enough - his horsemanship is not in question, just I'd be worried about how he would have staff to cover all the time.

Number two is about 1.75 hours by horsebox, professional foaling stud which does about 100 mares a year, beautiful stable management, foaling alarms, 4 staff, a bit more expensive but probably only about an extra 200 euros in total (including the extra diesel to fetch and carry mare and foal etc.)

What would you do? Number one means I can be more involved because it's so close. Number two is clearly more reliable but costs more (especially if I make the wrong decision about when to take her there as the keep is 20 euros a day).

The mare has had one foal before, I don't anticipate any problems, but I am inexperienced in looking after them.

All advice gratefully received

Imogen
Member:
Warwick

Posted on Friday, Mar 21, 2003 - 5:49 pm:

Hi Imogen

As a small-time breeder of warmbloods who has foaled out my share of horses, I still get antsy and stressed at foaling time. And when I look back on my first time, I think I could have been accurately classed as a blithering idiot.

If I were in your shoes, I'd opt for the more expensive but better manned facility. When you think of all the time and money that you have spent on breeding and getting your mare to this point, I think a little extra expense is worthwhile. Knowing you can count on experienced staff being present around the clock would far outweigh the extra cost.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck and enjoy the experience. It's a memorable time.

Sue
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Mar 22, 2003 - 10:49 am:

Imogen, it sounds like you would be more comfortable with the second choice.
DrO
Member:
Imogen

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 25, 2003 - 2:21 am:

I forgot to say the other advantage of the first choice is that he would be prepared to come over and check my mare once I think she's "springing" to see if she is ready. Given my inexperience (I know what waxing up looks like but that's about it) this is a plus. Otherwise I might take her to the expensive place too early - or end up with a foal in the field... but other things being equal I think I'll go for the expensive place.

All the best

Imogen
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