driving in foal mare

Question
Hi, would you be able to give me any advice on how soon after covering I would be able to take my mare out driving again? She she would only be doing short drives of two to three miles and going steady, she is fit and used to doing three or four times that amount of driving.
Also how far into the pregnancy can she be driven for? I was just going to see how she went and how she seemed to be, as normally she loves going out.

Thanks
Rebecca

Answer
Rebecca,

Once you have determined that she is in foal with ultrasound which can generally be done at 11-15 days and if the pregnancy is normal you can start using her then.  She can go back to normal work load for the first 5 mos. of her pregnancy.  I competed my mare up to her 5th month of pregnancy both in harness and under saddle.  Just didn't race in the endurance ride I did although we still did finish in the Top Ten.  She will be OK to use pretty much as usual up to her 7th month.  At that point you'll want to back off because she's going to start getting bulky and awkward.  Keeping her fit up to that last trimester helps enormously with delivery making it much easier for the mare.  Her last few months, depending upon how big she gets, are when she gets off for "maternity leave".  As long as she has access to a paddock or, preferably pasture, she'll be fine.  Enjoy her. These early months you won't be able to see any indications of her being in foal other than the fact that she doesn't cycle and should look to be in the peak of health with a glossy, vibrant probably dappled coat.  You really won't even need to increase feed or anything else until after the 5th month.  I would get her on a good all around vitamin/mineral supplement if she doesn't already get it but that's it.  Keep up with her worming, make sure you get her teeth done before she foals and that she is up to date on shots 30 days before she foals.