pregnant mare with tender feet

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a 10 year old palamino missori foxtrotter that I bought in may 2008. We found out in July when the vet was out that she was pregnant. I have rode her about 4-5 times. This last time my husband rode her cause I couldn't figure out why she was being so stubborn all of a sudden the last time I rode her. He figured it out and came home and told me she was tender footed. Her feet hurt her. I called her original owner cause the people I bought her from didn't know much. She used to go coast to coast trail riding. 15-20 miles a day and he had her shoed on all 4 hooves. Then he sold her to this older lady and she only put front shoes on her cause she didn't ride her that much and she said she did great with just fronts. I don't feel that I should ride her for her entire pregnancy. But I am worried about the extra weight she is carrying and if because she is so easily tender footed should I have shoes put on. I have a very good farrier here and I trust him. But I would really like the advice from you who works with the veterinarian side of farrier services. I don't want her to be uncomfortable sore or hurting while pregnant. I didn't want a pregnant horse but she is the best horse. She is very sweet and trusting temperment. So I really want to do what is best for her. Oh she was bred to a donkey he was pretty big/tall he was able to breed a draft horse. And so she is pregnant with a mule. And I am not sure but I am guessing that the baby might be bigger than just a horse foal so she will carry more weight the last 3 months possibly. Thank you for your time. I wanted to make sure you had as much info as possible. Thanks Victoria

ANSWER: HELLO VICTORIA...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

Your farrier or veterinarian would probably tell you the same as I will.
REMEMBER...this is my opinion you are asking for... :)  :)

IF...this is her first foal (I've heard this for 40 yrs.) NEVER BREED
a maiden mare to a "jack" donkey. The uterus has never expanded,
naturally, and is hard on maiden mares. Be SURE to watch her when she is close to foaling...have your vet ready!
IF...she is getting really big (you said she is 3/5 months pregnant
???) I WOULDN'T ride her till the foal is at least 30 days old. That way the mule foal is durable and tough enough to follow along and it would just be safer for you and the mare/foal.

I shoe; on many occasions, big,heavy brood mares to give them comfort
through the pregnancy and even after, till the foal get some size.
I ONLY shoe them on the front and trim the hinds.
Make sure your farrier takes all sole pressure out of the shoes.If you live in dry country, use a hoof conditioner at least twice a week.

If your mare is attractive with good bone and conformation, you
should have an "excellent mule". "It takes good mama's to have good
foals" !!!
Also...good mules are worth alot of money, especially if they are broke to ride.

The Best to You !!
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.


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

QUESTION: How will I know if he is taking the sole pressure out of the shoe. I watch when he is doing each horse. Or just ask him to? I don't want t sound bossy to someone or come off the wrong way. And I don't live in dry country persay but we have dry periods. Can you recommend something that is well known to work. Thanks again. I read and ask a lot of questions to make sure I am taking the utmost care of our horses. I am glad to have all your advice.  Victoria

Answer
VICTORIA...

You just care about your horse...you're not "bossy"...

If you know him well...just ask him "You are taking the sole pressure out of the shoes"??  You would not believe the questions that are asked of me...it would make for great humorous reading !!

If he's a qualified farrier he will TAKE NO OFFENSE. After 36 yrs.
I NEVER take offense to someone's question or just not knowing!!
When I was an instructor, I would always say "There are no dumb questions!!! Ask me anything. That is how we ALL LEARN" .

There are different dressings and conditioners on the market.
I would "sway away" from the ones with petroleum products in them.
Stay with a good conditioner. Many have natural ingredients.

Thanks again...
Joepaul