Naughty Foal

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I would like to put my 13.2hh arab x welsh cob mare in foal next year.  She is 14 yrs old and has been a fantastic riding pony for me over the last 10 years, I purchased her at 18 months.  She is a maden mare and I am unsure what size stallion I can take her to safely.  I have produced my first foal this year with another mare (she is 15.1) which I have so have a little experience with the process and would like to use the same stallion again as I am very happy with my new arrival.

The stallion is a 15.1 appaloosa.  Looking at the filly I had this year, she was born with massive legs (finer than mum) and a very small body and head which made me hopeful on using him on my smaller mare (the mare I used last year is a TB cross ID so is quite heavy with a little feathering and a big head)

What do you think.  I have also seen alot of his off spring who are of a similar build to my 13.2.



ANSWER: Hi Kirsty,
         As she is a Maiden, then I would not recommend that you breed her to the larger stallion. The foal could be too big and she could have problems foaling. I would not breed her to a stallion that is larger then 14.2 hands.


Lisa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lisa

Thank you for your answer.  While we are on the subject of breeding I have another question.  The filly which I bred this year is now 13 weeks old.  She has been well handled from the start, walks on the lead and lift her feet up. I have noticed over the last couple of weeks she has become some what nasty.  Ears flat, bites and tries to kick me (she has missed so far).  I try and show her that this is wrong by raising my voice, pushing her away when she bites and threatens to kick and if she does actually kick give her a smack on the bum (not hard just to shock her).  she seems to be getting worse. I know that its not that she feels threatened as some days she will allow me to sit with her while she lays down and even puts her head on my knee. Its as though she is trying to dominate me but she is going to be a big girl prob about 16.2hh and I need to get this out of her system now.  Her mum is the kindest, sweetest mare and her father is lovely too.

She seems worse when we are in the stable and she will actually block the doorway so I cannot leave and then go for me when I try.

Any advice on how I can try and discourage this behavior.

Kirsty

Answer
It is a good idea that you want to stop this behavior now as it is very disrespectful. When you go into an area with her, bring a ten foot cotton lead rope. When she turns her butt in your direction, pop her on the rear with it. If she tries to kick you, pop her again. It may take a week or two but she will learn. For the biting, you want to "bite" her back as her mother would. When she does this you will want to growl, push her away and pinch her on the shoulder. The pinch will not hurt, but it will get her attention, and will stop the behaviors.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Lisa