What age to put filly in foal?

[huntersmoon]

What is the best age to put a filly in foal? I had planned to put Mai in foal at 3, as the standard age in 'ordinary' horses, but am not sure now, as they are so slow growing, would 4 be better?, she still seems such a little baby, (rising 2) that next year seems too soon, plus she wasn't foaled til June, so would only just be 3, Partner says in the wild she'd probably foal at 2!, which I can well believe as she's flirting with the boys already!

[DalesLady]

its down to visual judgement really, lots of breeders do put them in foal at 3, personally though I think 4 is a better age, as you say they are slow maturers

[greydales]

I'm hoping to put Cherry in foal this year, she's rising 4.

[Debbie]

I've had the same ponder with Blossom. I'd been thinking of putting her in foal as a 3 year old to foal at 4, but she's a very slow maturer. I'm going to be waiting for a bit longer before trying it.

I'd say you'll be the best judge for your girl. You know at what rate she's growing, and if you want to wait a bit for her, then do so.

[Anna]

Same with us, Clemmie will be put into foal this year all being well, and Milly (my welsh D) is going to a stallion next year age 3 all being well again.

[huntersmoon]

Thanks for that, I'll have to see how she grows. Next question, Anyone know any good dales stallions in Derbyshire or surrounding areas?

[cadeby]

I think most Dales, body wise, would be sufficiently well developed to be covered at three years of age. Mental maturity seems to vary immensely, so I think it's a case of owner-knows-best. Our two year old filly Celt is very backward in the brain department, so unless there's a significant change over the next year, she may have to wait until she's rising four before she's covered.

[huntersmoon]

Hi, Haven't asked Jo yet.