Effects of Foaling on a Mare's Conformation?

Little Red Dun · 01-01-2007, 01:21 AM

Yet another in my long list of questions.

Sort of continuing from my last question, how does long-term use as a broodmare effect a mare's conformation?

I've honestly never seen a mare I would consider a long-term broodmare in person. I know a few mares that have had a few foals, but not what I would call or consider "career broodmares".

I'm sure it varies from mare to mare, of course, but what are some common side-effects of a mare being used as a broodmare on a regular basis?

ryu2832 · 01-01-2007, 12:48 PM

Conformation-wise? Overall bone structure should remain constant. I have a Trake mare with 5 under her belt, and she hasn't changed at all. Sometimes they can get out of condition if they aren't worked.

There can be nerve damage to the hind legs from repeated foalings.

There can be stretching of the ligaments holding the female reproductive tract in place.

The vulva can be less tight after repeated foalings, reducing the effectiveness of the air seal.

I've seen mares with a what I call a broodmare back. It sags and looks a little swayed. I think this is more due to poor conditioning than anything else.

JBandRio · 01-01-2007, 02:42 PM

The older broodmares who've had many foals, usually end up with weaker-looking toplines - sagging backs. They don't get exercised, so don't develop topline muscles, and they have a lot of weight for a long period of time hanging off them, which pulls things down too.

Not every broodmare will have this happen, but it's a common side effect.

aqh88 · 01-01-2007, 03:16 PM

If you excercised the mare and gave her breaks between foals not really much of anything would change aside maybe a slightly larger belly that takes extra work to get rid of. It's the fact they repeatedly have foals without any conditioning. They end up with sagged backs, large bellies, and most of the older ones we've bought(18-20 and older) that have had 5+ foals were a bit weaker in the hindquarters. Arthritis and back problems usually become big issues eventually. The constant weight on the legs seems to wear out their joints faster. Reasons why when we have kept horses around just as broodmares we never bred them more often than every other year and kept them in shape with some riding between foals.

Little Red Dun · 01-01-2007, 03:29 PM

Yes, I understand that bone doesn't change with breeding, and yes, I was referring to "visual" changes.

It does make sense that lack of work combined with never being given a break will cause a lot more visual effects than in a mare that was at least lightly worked and allowed to take a year off at least now and then.

ryu2832 · 01-01-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Red Dun

Yes, I understand that bone doesn't change with breeding, and yes, I was referring to "visual" changes.

It does make sense that lack of work combined with never being given a break will cause a lot more visual effects than in a mare that was at least lightly worked and allowed to take a year off at least now and then.

One foal and lack of work could lead to the broodmare look, but consistent light work and excellent nutrition manangement to keep her from gaining too much weight while it foal should keep her looking good.

01-01-2007, 01:21 AM	#1
Little Red Dun Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: the Sunshine State, USA Posts: 1,406 Images: 10 Blog Entries: 2	Effects of Foaling on a Mare's Conformation? Yet another in my long list of questions. Sort of continuing from my last question, how does long-term use as a broodmare effect a mare's conformation? I've honestly never seen a mare I would consider a long-term broodmare in person. I know a few mares that have had a few foals, but not what I would call or consider "career broodmares". I'm sure it varies from mare to mare, of course, but what are some common side-effects of a mare being used as a broodmare on a regular basis? __________________ Amanda VP of the Player Fan Club ....horses should be trained in such a way that they not only love their riders, but look forward to the time they are with them. ~ Xenophon, 350 B.C.

01-01-2007, 12:48 PM	#2
ryu2832 Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Iowa, USA Posts: 2,957 Images: 43	Conformation-wise? Overall bone structure should remain constant. I have a Trake mare with 5 under her belt, and she hasn't changed at all. Sometimes they can get out of condition if they aren't worked. There can be nerve damage to the hind legs from repeated foalings. There can be stretching of the ligaments holding the female reproductive tract in place. The vulva can be less tight after repeated foalings, reducing the effectiveness of the air seal. I've seen mares with a what I call a broodmare back. It sags and looks a little swayed. I think this is more due to poor conditioning than anything else. __________________ Gene Pool: Warning, no lifegaurd on duty. "Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't." author Erica Jong

01-01-2007, 02:42 PM	#3
JBandRio Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 23,473 Images: 143 Blog Entries: 12	The older broodmares who've had many foals, usually end up with weaker-looking toplines - sagging backs. They don't get exercised, so don't develop topline muscles, and they have a lot of weight for a long period of time hanging off them, which pulls things down too. Not every broodmare will have this happen, but it's a common side effect. __________________ - JB Acres, owned and operated by Dynamite animals. - It's a wonder horses as a whole don't just kill us all and be done with their misery. - Keep your voice soothing and low - even when things get western (buck1173) - Rio feels good - he bounced an in-and-out

01-01-2007, 03:29 PM	#5
Little Red Dun Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: the Sunshine State, USA Posts: 1,406 Images: 10 Blog Entries: 2	Yes, I understand that bone doesn't change with breeding, and yes, I was referring to "visual" changes. It does make sense that lack of work combined with never being given a break will cause a lot more visual effects than in a mare that was at least lightly worked and allowed to take a year off at least now and then. __________________ Amanda VP of the Player Fan Club ....horses should be trained in such a way that they not only love their riders, but look forward to the time they are with them. ~ Xenophon, 350 B.C.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
WNV has anyone seen the after effects??	DefinitelyADreamer	Horse Health	14	01-17-2007 02:00 AM
Critique My Mare's Conformation	shadowofthemoon	Critique My Horse	11	09-06-2006 07:12 AM
Critique My Mare's Conformation	shadowofthemoon	Critique My Horse	21	04-27-2006 09:31 AM
Foaling mare's secret code...	Mutrok	Horse Breeding	2	02-09-2006 09:49 PM
P locus effects on Bay	ryu2832	Horse Breeding	4	01-06-2006 11:28 PM

01-01-2007, 03:16 PM	#4
aqh88 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 610	If you excercised the mare and gave her breaks between foals not really much of anything would change aside maybe a slightly larger belly that takes extra work to get rid of. It's the fact they repeatedly have foals without any conditioning. They end up with sagged backs, large bellies, and most of the older ones we've bought(18-20 and older) that have had 5+ foals were a bit weaker in the hindquarters. Arthritis and back problems usually become big issues eventually. The constant weight on the legs seems to wear out their joints faster. Reasons why when we have kept horses around just as broodmares we never bred them more often than every other year and kept them in shape with some riding between foals.