Breeding older mares

Question
Hi, I have two older mares I would like to breed. One is 15 years old and the other is around 13 years old. They stand 14.1 and 13 hands. Both mares are in good health. I am wondering what steps should be taken before breeding the two and what the likely hood of them becoming pregnant is. The older mare has been vet checked for breeding about 6 years ago and the other mare seems to have had a foal or two before. I don't know a lot about the smaller of the two mares as I have only had her a month and the people that had her before me saved horse from going to meat. I am wondering what steps should be taken now to get them ready for breeding in spring and what should be done once breed. I am also wondering if they should be breed. They are both health happy mares that have all shots worming and all that good stuff up to day. Thanks Sarah  

Answer
Hi Sarah,

The first thing to think of when deciding whether or not to breed a mare is; is the mare worth breeding and what are your intentions with the resulting foal?  If the mares are not registered and you're thinking of breeding them to sell the foals, I would think twice.  Horse prices are ridiculously low right now and foals are selling for next to nothing, even out of well bred registered mares.

If you do decide to breed these two, you should have them vet checked for breeding soundness. Ultra sounds to determine whether or not there are cycsts or fluid in the uterus, both of which could prevent pregnancy.  If you have your own stallion, then you could go ahead and just breed them and see if they get in foal.  But if you're considering paying out a stud fee, it would be worth your while to have them checked first.

Once they get pregnant, there really isn't much more to do, other than keeping them in good weight.  You do not want to give any vaccinations or do any deworming during the first 90 days of pregnancy, but other than that, just make sure they get plenty of good quality feed.