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Author
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Topic: Breeding Three Year Olds (Read 1751 times)
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Navar
Guest
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Just curious, but how many of you go ahead and breed your mares at three and then start them at four? I know of one large farm that does this routinely. They breed them at three, they foal at four and then get started under saddle afterwards and compete for a while before returning to breeding duties. Makes sense to me however, I have a large three year old who likely has quite a bit of growth to come, and I just wondered if it was such a good idea to breed her at three as I think she likely needs all that nutrition for herself. Thoughts/opinions/experience?
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CJ Geres
Novice
 Offline
Posts: 2
Foxwind SL - Trak. stallion
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We have bred mares at the age of three in the past and not had an issue with a reduction in their growth. I would have to say each decision should be made on an individual basis. Maturity being the most important factor. If your mare is neither physically nor mentally ready to be a mom I would wait the extra year. In general, our TB mare(s) have been prepared for motherhood around the age of three more often than our Trakehner mare(s) have been.
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sherry
ata
FEI
Offline
Posts: 223
I love Trakehners!
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I have made it a general practice to start my three year olds under saddle while they are in foal--then give them time off before putting them back to work at age four. I've not seen any detrimental effects--the only exception was a mare who did not seem to have a mature reproductive system--we chose to wait with her....more because it was unlikely that she would take than for any other consideration.
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Leena
FEI
Offline
Posts: 121
I love Trakehners!
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I bred my mare at 3 yo and start her under saddle. This fall she took 2 inches growth and she is now around 16 hands.
9th mont has started and she is in very good shape, looks like more a bottle than a mare !!!!! I think the most funny thing is she used to scrath her hears with her hind leg; she seems to question why she cannot anymore !
She is due for may 15th. I put a special care to give her all supplement needed because she was still growing. One breeder told me that lactation gives another growing phase too.
Character has not really change; she is more soft. Since she is naturally handsome and playfull, this has not changed.
I will be happy to post foal's pics and expecting a healthy one and a nice delivery phase.
I am happy to have breed her at this age because in between 3 and 4, I could not do very much anyway.
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