I have a 6 yr. old pregnant Paint. This week will be a year.?

[Melynda A]

My mare is soooo pregnant. We have had the vet check her and she appears fine but she has been pregnant for a year now. I know exactally when she was bred...March 14 2007. This is her first pregnancy and I am freaking out. She has started fiilling out in her utters and her tail has dropped but she has been like this for about 3 weeks. She still eats well and doesn't appear distressed in any way. She does sometimes kick at her belly and look at it but so far that is as far as it comes to labor stuff. I was wondering if anyone else has ever had a mare go this long and is there anything that I should watch for that would indicate any type of trouble? I appreciate your help in advance.

[see arr harr]

I'm sure she's fine. One of my mother's old broodmares would always deliver a filly on time, but if she went over we knew it was a colt! She had colts born beyond the year.

If your mare isn't in distress, it's most likely she's absolutely fine and just taking her time. Keep an eye on her, but don't worry.

[gypsysransom]

I have. I had a mare that all three of her foals were born at 12 months. They were all born healthy, if a little large. (I on the other hand was a wreak.)

With my mare, I swear that she waited till I couldn't be there to have her babies. She had her first baby on Easter Sunday and the second when I went to town for an errand. I have to say, she did make it up to me on her last baby. She had it in the middle of the afternoon when she was in the turnout by the house. I was able to watch the whole birth.

If she is not showing distress, she should be fine. I would give her space but keep an eye on her. Just keep in touch with your vet so they are aware of the situation. 11 months is just a rule of thumb but not a stead fast rule.

Best of luck and enjoy that baby.

[Equestrian_Forever]

All I can tell you is that a horses gestation period is normally 11 months. If you are really worried about it, then you should ask your veterinarian, and if he/she says its alright, then more that likely, it is.

[Dusty]

If she is a new mama, and she is not in distress and you trust your vet than no worries. Has she started waxing up? When she is dripping, she is getting close. I sleep in the barn with all my mares when there getting close. Get a second opinion if it makes you fell better, I would. More for you than mom. Best of luck with this wonderful event. It is a wonderful thing!

[Bobbi]

I have never had one go this far, but I know of some people who have, and with no difficulty. This being her first pregnancy would bother me a little as you have no yardstick to go by with her. I'm assuming that you have had a vet palpate her and keep track of what is going on...if not, I would definitely do so immediately...just so that he/she can be prepared for what is to come and when. The vet may need to turn the colt, or whatever before it can be born...but so far, if she hasn't gone into labor, she isn't in any immediate trouble...definitely involve a good equine vet and good luck.

[kannex37]

Yeah, she's a little young for what I would normally breed a mare but you can't undo whats done.

Anyways, especially if it's her first time she may be late. Mares are pregnant from 300-350 and a little late is fine, make sure you consult your vet thought and let him/her know. Anyday now I'm sure.

[Chance]

I few years ago in my area, many people had mares go a year or more pregnant. I wouldn't worry about it...especially since the vet checked her over. I would just keep doing what you're doing and one day soon a bright, healthy little newborn foal will be at her heels . Congrats!

[Ajierene]

Many maiden horses deliver late. All pregnancies are approximate, as each individual will differ. It is the same with people and each pregnancy - example, my brother was 3 weeks late while I was 2 weeks early.

Just keep an eye on her - she will lay down when she is in labor. If she goes off her feed and does not go into labor, call the vet (meaning, if she doesn't eat breakfast or dinner and go into labor a few hours after that, something may be wrong).

If she goes another month, call the vet, otherwise breath and relax. I say this now, knowing I will be as nervous as you when I breed my mare for the first time - or any time, for that matter.

[Ajierene]

Many maiden horses deliver late. All pregnancies are approximate, as each individual will differ. It is the same with people and each pregnancy - example, my brother was 3 weeks late while I was 2 weeks early.

Just keep an eye on her - she will lay down when she is in labor. If she goes off her feed and does not go into labor, call the vet (meaning, if she doesn't eat breakfast or dinner and go into labor a few hours after that, something may be wrong).

If she goes another month, call the vet, otherwise breath and relax. I say this now, knowing I will be as nervous as you when I breed my mare for the first time - or any time, for that matter.