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
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.
Almost all of us are familiar with asthma in humans. But chronic respiratory diseases are also becoming increasingly common among our horses. Over the past few years, various terms have been established to describe a similar complex of diseases. In English-speaking countries, the umbrella term "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" (COPD) was used for a long time, as it was assumed that the changes affected not only the bronchi but the entire lungs. In German, the term "chronische obstruktive Bronchitis" (COB) was mostly used. Although these terms are still often used today, in veterinary medicine for horses, a distinction is now only made between "RAO: Recurrent Airway Obstruction" and "IAO: Inflammatory Airway Disease." The central component of all terms is always the obstruction or narrowing of the small bronchi, which leads to breathing difficulties and coughing. The precursor to these chronic diseases is usually acute bronchitis.
This rapidly progressing muscle disease, also known as grass disease, has only been known since the beginning of the last century and is feared by horse owners because most of the horses affected die from it and the causes were unclear for a long time. It primarily affects young, well-fed horses that graze on rather unkempt, nutrient-poor pastures.
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.
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.
A dull coat, hairless, inflamed areas of skin and often very severe itching are characteristic of this parasitic skin disease, which occurs worldwide and can affect dogs of all ages. It is triggered by a mite, Demodex, which is also found on healthy dogs. Why it multiplies at an above-average rate in certain cases and leads to the skin changes mentioned above is still not fully understood. The disease is not considered contagious.
The decision to neuter is difficult for many dog owners. On the one hand, you want to see a change in behavior, but on the other hand, you are concerned about irreversible consequences. With a Suprelorin implant, you can test how neutering affects your dog's behavior and health without taking the final step right away. The implant can also be used for ferrets.
The dog, which is descended from the wolf, has teeth that are designed for hunting, killing, and tearing food apart. However, the search for food has changed for our four-legged friends: today, we open a can or even cook for our beloved furry friends. Breeding different breeds has also changed the length of dogs' noses and the spacing between their teeth. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to dental problems.
The cuddly soft chinchillas are nimble climbers and jumpers. They are great fun to watch. And with a little patience, they will even become tame!
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.
