Trade Zone - Breeding Older Mares

The wear and tear of multiple pregnancies can have a profound impact on the reproductive health of broodmares as they become older. In some cases, the problem shows up at breeding time as the mare fails to become pregnant. In others she becomes pregnant, but cannot carry a foal to term.

A breeding problem of any type becomes a serious consideration, particularly in Thoroughbreds. With Thoroughbred mares, the goal is to achieve pregnancy early in the breeding season in order to produce a foal early in the calendar year to give it a “leg up” at sale and racing time. Of course, there is more involved on the economic end than getting an early foal. The maintenance cost for a broodmare can run in excess of $5,000 per year, and if she doesn’t produce a foal, that outlay is down the proverbial drain.

The older the mare, the more likely the potential for reproductive problems, said Dr. Scott Bennett, who operates Equine Services near Simpsonville, Ky. For some years, Bennett has specialized in treating problem mares. Bennett estimates that 20-25% of older mares have reproductive problems, compared with 2-3% of young, maiden mares.

Mares that are problem breeders also cause problems for the stallion owner. It is a waste of a stallion’s energy and semen if he is breeding a mare that is unable to conceive. That breeding power could better be utilized on mares capable of conception and maintaining a pregnancy.

As indicated already, timing is a factor. Most owners decide when they want the foal to be born and plan the breeding accordingly. If the mare is bred several times and doesn’t become pregnant because of reproductive problems, a valuable window of opportunity is closed to the mare owner.

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