Breeding Costs

[dalesponyrider]

As you say Helen, the risk has to be the most important consideration. I was very worried when D was expecting for the first time as she was an older mare. I needn't have worried though as she coped incredibly well. I weighed the risk factor up alongside the fact that she would be stood in a field without work of any sort for what I hope to be years! I'm not so sure about it now though as she has work to do in sorting Penley out! On the other hand she has been such an outstanding mother should I risk it again? I thought I had decided to go ahead but having a few wobbles now. Anyway, no rush - I just need to think about it from all angles. Money has to be the last of my considerations though - health and welfare of mother and baby has to come first.

[sammy]

Yes there is the heartache when you loose a foal, something that I will never ever forget. I cried myself to sleep for many nights when we lost our first Penny Black.
Helen you have made me start to get very, very nervous! We have a few mares due to foal in March and one of them is going to be a Scally baby!!
Fingers crossed that everyone has healthy mares and foals this year.
The weaning I find absolutely awful and have tried a few methods now but I still hate it.

[Debbie]

Even with me giving you the heads up on Lady starting to foal, it was absolutely down to your skill and being onhand to help her. To be honest, I thought you'd lost Lady. It was so hard to be thousands of miles away and not be able to do anything, and I can imagine being right there and still doing what you can, but having to watch it all unravel couldn't be any better.

Sending along very smooth foaling vibes to all expectant mummies as we come towards foaling season. There is much joy, but for me (which is odd because I tend to be such a positive person) there is always the fear lurking in the back of my mind of losing not only the foal but the mare as well.