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breeding miniature

21 10:31:26

Question
Melissa,
I am thinking about breeding my miniature mare in a year or to, I know little about breeding and want to prepare myself but don't know where to go. i was wondering if you could give my some tips, and maybe some good books or videos about caring for the pregnant mare, raising the foal, and stuff like that.
thanks so much,
Tamie

Answer
Hi Tamie!
  Two questions for you first. Have you ever foaled a mare out before? And has this mare ever had a foal before? I recommend you go to this site www.smallhorse.com and the video book section has just what you are asking for! A video and a manuel on the miniature horse foaling and breeding. I have several books that I like as well that give you great information on the whole process, Blessed are the broodmares and blessed are the foals. I would recommend you get as many books on the subject so you know what is normal and what is not. Minis are different in the respect that they foal quickly and if you arn't present you can very easily lose the foal. Sometimes the sack is so tough hard for mom to open. I actually have a webcam in my barn and luckily work for a vet where I have a computer at my desk with the foal cam up so I can monitor the mares. If this is a maiden mare she probably won't need to be cultured but if she has foaled before it would be a good idea(and might be anyway) to have her checked out by your vet and cultured for bacteria. Research where you are having your mare bred for safety and good care and pick your stallion carefully. Make sure any faults your mare has your stallion can improve. Be sure to ask about the size the stallion throws too. Size is an issue and you don't want any giant babies. Being prepared ahead of foaling is so important have a foaling kit already prepared ect. The other place I would go to is Scott Creek miniature horses they have some great foaling information on their site and are very knowledgable! I could go on and on but the books will be a great resource and a first time mom if she is indeed and if you are a novice at this you might find a farm that does minis and will foal her out for you calling you if the can to participate for the first time. Maiden mares can be tricky if you don't know their habits. My mares mostly start to bag up and I watch the bag like a hawk for changes then changes on milk color as well as ph level. The other thing I watch is the tail head ligaments. When they are getting close the ligaments start to loosen and when those ligaments are sloppy loose like you pick up the tail and there is no muscle tone you are hours away! So any other questions feel free to email me again! Good luck how exciting for you I love this time of the year when the foals are coming! Melissa