Mares

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a mare that I thought was pregnant. She went into something (I forget the realy name for it) like false heat (so i read that it is possible for her to be pregnant). Her udder was full, her stomach was big, i could milk her, she was dripping milk, her vulva was longer then usually, she was mean to other horses, and her butt was squishy and spongy (like foaling mares should be). That was almost a month ago. Still no foal! Her stomach isnt quite as fat/round, but lower and flatter. She still has milk. The only stallion on the farm was gelded a few months ago. He accidentally got her pregnant last year too (she now has a yearling). Im worried about her. I havent seen her go into heat or even false heat for almost over month. She is in with the gelding that is her yearlings sire now. She bosses him around alot! Any advice? My other horse has been really expensive lately, so the vet is not an option (my horse that i board might need x-rays on wednesday). HELP!!!!

ANSWER: First of all you should not milk the mare.  Perhaps if you were positive that the mare was just about to foal, you might express a tiny amount to see if she had colostrum or not.  Why don't you put this mare in an area by herself.   Mares who foal want to be alone and this could be preventing her from feeling comfortable and safe enough to foal.  I don't know where you live but this is the late summer here in the U.S. and mares are not having strong heats as they did in the early spring.  Many mares do not have heat/estrus through the late fall and winter months.  I think you should separate this mare from the other horses, watch her flanks and see if you see any fluttering at all.   Your descriptions of her butt muscles being soft are in sync with a mare that is getting ready to foal.  Perhaps one vet call could solve your problems and answer your questions.  That could save you time and possible heartaches.  Good luck.

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

QUESTION: Yes, I only did it to test the color of her milk (it was clearish-white). We live in Alberta, Canada. She is on my Grandparents farm (as I live in the City), so I dont choose where she goes. She either has to be in with the gelding (which would be the foals sire, so I hate the idea of her being with him), a mare and my mares yearling, or with the cows, calves and bull. Which would be best?

Answer
With your limited choices my pick would be with the mare and yearling.  The pregnant mare should feel less threatened there. If possible, when you move the mare, watch her with the other two and see how she reacts.  If she seems calm, leave her. Good luck