When to become concerned about mare not becoming pregnant and steps to take

[jaymie124]

I started pasture breeding at the end of June with Blue and Sophie. Sophie has had 3 in-heat periods just having her last at the beginning of August. All of them I can confirm they were working on it. I seperated mare and stallion now because I don't really want a baby much later then early July. Let the youngster grow some before winter hits so it may be better prepared. I really have two questions currently, when to become concerned when mare doesn't take and what to do about it in minis. Also I am in central Kansas and was wondering thoughts on when to stop breeding in my climate? I figured beginning of July but is it okay for August babies? Or even September? I'm new to this area of horses so all advice is greatly welcomed and appreciated!! Oh and one more thing is there any horse books that show the growth of baby during different stages and just covers each stage? Been wanting something of the sort.

 

[JAX]

If she comes into heat again I would have the vet culture her during that time to make sure she does not have an infection. Some mares will also have false heats even though they are pregnant and that could cause an infection and possible loss of pregnancy. Either way I would say you should have her checked out by your vet. As for the timing of foaling... well i have had foals as late as December... no it wasnt planned, the stallion was supposed to be infertile and i did not think the mares would be in heat at that time of year!

I guess it really all depends on how prepared you are to have a foal at that time of year. Mine was fine just had to use lots more blanketing than I normally would. As for the book... if you find one let me know! Here is a link for fetal development but is pretty graphic as it is fetus at different stages. http://www.crayonboxminiatures.com/MiniFetusDevelopment.html If you go to bottom of page they have good info for foaling signs. Good Luck

 

[jaymie124]

Alright I'll definitely call my vet to check her out next heat. I wasnt sure if i was just being impatiant or not. It's so neat to be able to see the stages! Thank you for that link! I already have one pregnant but I bought her confirmed so it's gonna be a blast watching that baby growing inside! Where is a good place to buy inexpensive foal blankets? And what heat would you say get concerned or is the third pretty good time? Thanks again!

 

[JAX]

My opinion is that usually two heat cycles should get it done so I call my vet and make an appt during 2nd heat cycle for the time when she should have her third cycle, and if she comes back in then i would have her cultured and flushed. If she does not come back in then I have an ultrasound done to confirm a pregnancy or to get an idea of why not.

 

[minimomNC]

It could also have to do with the age of the mare, I had a mare that didn't mature reproductively until she was 6 years old. Bred her as a 4 and 5 year old, never got in foal, had regular heat cycles. Had the vet ultrasound her (reproductive specialist, knows minis extreamly well) said she looked fine, just immature. It happens. I figured she wouldn't get in foal, she was with my stallion for a few days, then I leased her to someone as a companion. The following March this person asked me if there was anyway she could be in foal. Well, yes, she was with my stallion for a few days after all, before she could get the blood test back to confirm, the mare had a beautiful full term filly. She was left open and when bred back for next year, caught on one breeding. So sometimes you just have to be patient and let them grow up at their own pace.

 

[jaymie124]

Well my mare is 6 years old back in April. Always told and decided that was a good age. am keeping them seperate and "tease'" her with my stallion so I can tell for sure if she goes in again and if she does definitely calling vet for a culture. Depending on those results I'll prob hand breed so I can just have a little more security that he's getting her. Thanks for all the tips! Definitely very helpful!