There are many reasons why a mare that has previously been a riding horse might be turned into a broodmare. There are a few factors to consider on the way to your first foal.
At the beginning of the decision-making process, the suitability of the mare as a broodmare is assessed. Questions about age, general health, and, above all, breeding suitability are at the top of the list.
The mare should be examined by a veterinarian, perhaps even by a practice specializing in equine gynecology. It is important to know that a so-called swab test must be performed every year before insemination, before the start of the breeding season. This involves taking a mucus sample from the mare's reproductive tract using a swab and testing it for bacteria in a laboratory. The mare should be "clean."
Once it has been established that there are no obstacles to insemination, you should think about the future care of the mare before the first pregnancy. Should she continue to be ridden and remain at a riding stable? This is entirely possible. Only in the last phase of pregnancy should the mare be moved to a foaling box. All training must also be adjusted to the foaling date and gradually reduced.
However, you may decide to integrate the mare into a herd of mares after insemination, where she can gather strength for motherhood on lush pastures. There are breeders and trainers who offer places for this purpose. Don't be afraid to visit the premises and take a look around. After all, your mare will be living there for a long time and will also foal there.
Sometimes it's the little tips and tricks that help. We have compiled some of them here.
What is important when searching for a stallion
What is important when handling broodmares
Heart disease is also relatively common in our four-legged friends, affecting almost one in ten dogs. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood into the circulatory system, meaning that the body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen.
Urolithiasis, colloquially referred to as urinary stone disease, refers to the formation and deposition of various concretions in the urinary tract of horses. Although this disease occurs sporadically in horses, it can lead to serious symptoms and significant impairments. The deposits can occur in the form of crystals, grit, sand, or stones and are most commonly found (approx. 60%) in the urinary bladder. Geldings are more severely affected than stallions or mares.
What do these five letters stand for? This abbreviation comes from English and literally means "feline lower urinary tract disease." It describes all diseases of the urinary tract in cats that cause difficulty and pain when urinating. As a rule, almost exclusively indoor cats are affected; outdoor cats almost never develop this condition. Male cats are also more susceptible than female cats.
Vaccinations for horses serve as preventive healthcare and protect against possible diseases and their spread. Depending on what you want to do with your horse, different vaccinations are recommended and even mandatory for competition horses. All vaccinations are correctly documented by your veterinarian in the equine passport.
As a general rule, every dog needs a certain amount of grooming, some more than others. For some dogs, it is even worth taking them to a professional groomer. As a dog owner, you can also do some grooming yourself at home.
Taking in a foal and choosing the long road to happiness on horseback is a real adventure! It is an opportunity to form a bond that can mature over many years and to watch a foal grow into a horse. But it also requires commitment on your part.
Thanks to improved preventive care, senior dogs are no longer a rarity. Similar to humans, they suffer from classic age-related ailments such as osteoarthritis, cataracts, and dementia. Around 20% of nine-year-old dogs and almost 70% of 15-year-old dogs suffer from dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS or "dog Alzheimer's").
Winter affects humans and animals differently than summer. The body has to adjust to the cold, darker season. We can also help our dogs get through the winter very well.
Did you know that color rats have a pleasant calmness and can bring a lot of joy to those around them with their friendly nature?
Fancy a little fun and games with your rabbit? Rabbits are intelligent animals. With patience and the right steps, they can even perform a "high five" or "sit."
What is a fun night of dancing for many people is unfortunately a sensitive issue for a lot of dog owners: New Year's Eve fireworks frighten our noise-sensitive four-legged friends and can lead to major problems.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can be divided into anterior and posterior inflammation and manifests itself through a narrow pupil and reddened conjunctiva.
