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I bought a rescued quarter horse mare from a friend 6 months ago. My friend had boarded her and not ridden her for years. She is a lovely gentle 9 year old buckskin with an almost apaloosa dappling in her coat. Her name isXXXXX been working with her to remember long lost training. I feel she is prenant and possibly near the end! She had a huge hay belly and has been slimming down from that . While grooming her I noticed her teats seem larger and when I checked I was able to express milk/colostrum. She's has never had a foal. Although this is totally a surprise to me, as she supposedly wasn't with any stallion I just want to be able to care for her properly. Vitamins, feed, etc. I love her to death. How close to delivery could she be?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Horse Gender: Female Age: 9 Name of Horse: Maggie Mae Already Tried: Nothing other than expressing the colostrum/milk
Hello
It is quite difficult to accurately predict when she might foal. Mares can bag up, up to a month before foaling.
The muscles of the pelvic region start to slacken about 3 weeks before foaling and waxing up of the teats can occur from 2 weeks before foaling, to 24 hours before foaling or even in some cases not at all.
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/breeding/as-foaling.shtml
There are a few causes of non pregnant mares bagging up. Grazing on clover, can cause an udder to be produced. As can various hormone imbalances. Infection of the udder or mastitis can also cause the udder to increase in size.
I would make an appointment for your vet to come and examine Maggie May, they will be able to tell you whether she is pregnant or not and may be able to give a better indication of when she may foal. They will also be able to discuss foaling with you, a post foaling check and discuss vaccinations etc.
Please reply if you have further questions and please let me know when / if she foals.
Good luck and best wishes
Experience: BVMS MRCVS