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Discussion on Riding a pregnant mare
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2003 - 5:43 pm:
Dr O,
I am currently training a mare that turned out to be pregnant, most likely around the end of the six month. She is 10 years old and as fit as a racehorse. So fit that even people that know her well (her owners and a number of specialist friends of theirs) swear she's not pregnant, but I am positive, it is quite obvious. And although I disagree with all this breeding frenzy and the baby will probably be a donkey (I know the stallion too well) I do not want to risk it's development. Not to mention the mare's well being, I really love her.
Within what boundaries would you consider exercising her safe? She gives me the feeling that she couldn't care less for the situation.
I cut down, just in case, to medium intensity flatwork only (no gallop)and some "smart" jumps, 20 inches high.
She only showed today a slight hint of a difficulty in reaching far under with her hind legs, but could be just the day.
Should I proceed with her as far as she is really comfortable?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Dec 8, 2003 - 6:48 am:
Pretty much Christos, but we make some specfic recommendations at » Equine Reproduction » Breeding and Foaling » Pregnant Mare Care and Nutrition. There are a few other considerations than just the exercise itself see particularly the sections on travel and exercise in the article for more.
DrO
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Monday, Dec 8, 2003 - 7:53 am:
Thanks, doctor,
I'll keep supplementing nothing but calcium, just to compensate for the phosphorus in the 12 lbs of grain she burns per day. I have no access to blood tests, so I am scared to fiddle around in the dark with trace minerals and vitamins.
I'll see if I can get a dedicated balanced supplement for the last three months.
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 25, 2004 - 6:36 pm:
I rode my mare when she was pregnant up to her 10th month. By that time it was just up and down the street bareback. But I trail rode her into her 9th month. Nothing strenuous of course but easy 1 or 2 hours (with breaks). If we came to a hill, I'd get off and send her up with me tailing her. The vet said she was in great shape when he checked her a couple of weeks before foaling and said she was carrying the right amount of weight so the exercise definitely didn't hurt. She gave birth right on schedule to a gorgeous bay filly.
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