Page 46 - NMHBA Spring 2020

Transitioning From The Racetrack to The Breeding Shed
by Megan Petty, DVM
“What can I do to get my recently retired mare into the swing of breeding season right away?” This is a question we encounter often, especially with breeding season upon us full force early in February. Unfortunately, there’s not a precise or easy answer to this question, but there are a few things to consider to improve your chances of getting your recently retired mare transitioned to broodmare life a little more smoothly.
One of the first things to consider is how the overall change in routine and environment can affect these mares when they leave the track and head to the farm. Racehorses are used
Racehorses are used to very strict schedules. They have followed the same routine and have been on the same feeding and training program potentially for years and leaving the track can often throw them for a loop.
to very strict schedules. They have followed the same routine and have been on the same feeding and training program potentially for years and leaving the track can often throw them for a loop. We see the same issues with retired racehorses going on to second athletic careers as well. Owners tend to think they are doing these horses a favor by “letting them be a horse” however our routine oriented friends now have no schedule, no guidance, new neighbors, and less exercise to contend with and these changes can create major impacts
on their health and overall well being. Of particular concern are gastric ulcers. Studies have proven time and again that a huge proportion of our racehorses have some degree of gastric ulceration; and stress, stabling,
and feeding patterns all play a role in ulcer development. Transitioning to a new home and a new routine is enough to create ulcers in the most even tempered horse. Given the likelihood that this horse is already dealing with some degree of ulceration having come straight off the track, means that we are probably making an already painful stomach even worse. Another thing to consider is that changes in management and changes in diet are the 2 primary causes of colic. There are
a variety of ways to help a mare “let down” from race training, but the worst thing we can do is change too many things too rapidly. We should be mindful to ease mares into their new way of life by making feeding changes gradually over 7-10 days, introduce them to their new herd slowly, and try to account for them not knowing how to use their new found “loose rein”.
Additionally, many mares who are in appropriate race shape are often truly too
thin for broodmare life. Ideally, broodmares should maintain a body condition of 5-6 early
in their pregnancy, so providing enough time for the mare to develop a little more flesh and cover will be helpful in the long run of the breeding season. One commonly overlooked area of husbandry that will make much of the above less of an issue, is providing dental care for these mares. The mouth is the first step of the digestive process, and it is difficult to gain weight when your mouth is in rough shape. Another health factor to consider is ensuring your mare is current on her vaccinations, especially if she has to move to another farm for breeding purposes. These vaccines make the concern of contracting or contributing to the spread of preventable diseases once she gets to the breeding farm a moot point.
Good husbandry practices are unfortunately not all that is required to get our newly retired race mare to achieving broodmare status. The most difficult part of the process, especially with younger mares, is achieving correct and predictable cyclicity. Young athletic mares, not unlike young athletic women, tend to not cycle as regularly as their more mature counterparts. However, we often hear complaints or assurances that these mares “cycle all the time.” It is important to understand that mares can display typical behavioral estrus signs without actually having a breedable follicle and the presence of estrogen is what creates that well- known “mare-ish” behavior. Estrogen is secreted from both the ovary and the brain
and is why some mares appear to tease year round, when we know for a fact that mares
are seasonally polyestrous and have a period
of anestrus when their ovaries have minimal follicular activity. Essentially, just because
a mare is teasing on the gelding next door, doesn’t mean she’s ready to breed.
The primary question then becomes how do we handle it when these mares are teasing
44 New Mexico Horse Breeder