THERE are a number of things you need to consider when bringing your mare back into work if she has had a foal. Issues which will influence the speed at which your mare can get back to work include:

  • Consideration on how fit your mare was prior to her pregnancy. In general, the fitter she was, the quicker she will come back into work.
  • How old your mare is. Not surprisingly, older mares will find it a little more challenging to get back to fitness post-foaling.
  • Post-weaning body condition. Many mares lose condition with the demands of lactating and feeding a growing foal and will need optimal nutrition to return to peak fitness. It’s always good to talk to a nutritionist for advice.
  • The conditions of foaling may also have an effect, injuries whilst foaling may slow the process.

    • Whilst your mare is in foal, there are changes to her core muscles and prepubic tendon which stretch with the weight of the foal. Pregnancy may also affect your mare’s topline, so it is important to strengthen her core muscles before introducing the weight of a rider and asking her to work in a shape. Always introduce work slowly, the same way you would when bringing a horse back from injury.

    Long-reining and pole work can be helpful tools to encourage your mare into a long and low posture and to develop core strength before the added rider weight. Gentle hacking out will also gently improve stamina before any faster work or flatwork is added in. Going slowly is the key factor.

    Before you ride your mare, it’s also important to check the tack fit for your mare who may have changed shape and condition since pregnancy, your saddler can help with that. A qualified physiotherapist can help with designing the plan for your mare’s journey back into ridden work.