|
Discussion on Exercise for pregnant mare
|
Author |
Message |
Member: juliem
|
Posted on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 - 12:14 am:
I have a mare due to foal March 30. She has become very sedentary and I do have her off pasture so she's in a day lot about 100X80 with other horses, all compatible. I've been told by a couple of people that exercising her will prevent many of the limb deformities. Any science to back that up? She's not too keen on the idea! And I have to admit, life is getting in my way of doing it regularly.
|
Member: sdms
|
Posted on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 - 8:46 am:
Interesting, Julie. I did a lot of research on limb deformities in foals a few years ago and never came across that one. I'll let Dr. O answer, of course, but I can't imagine there's merit to that idea. I DO always hand walk or pony my mares in the last month of their pregnancy if they don't get turned out to prevent or reduce edema. Knock on wood, that's never been a real issue for me...maybe because of the exercise?
|
Member: sdms
|
Posted on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 - 8:47 am:
By the way...can't wait to see pictures! I'm almost as excited about this baby as you probably are!
|
Member: mrose
|
Posted on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 - 8:51 pm:
The "other Sara" here! LOL I have heard that a mare needs to keep moving to prevent deformaties, but have no idea how true it is. We always hand walked, or put on a walker, our pg mares if they weren't able to be in the field with the other horses or didn't move around enough when there. Like Sara M., we did it to prevent edema more than anything. And, like Sara M, I love baby pics also!
|
Member: juliem
|
Posted on Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 - 1:03 pm:
What do you think Dr. O? Exercise a necessity or not?
|
Moderator: DrO
|
Posted on Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 - 9:59 am:
Hello Julie, No I do not know any proof of this and Lord knows we see lots of mare with pasture exercise with deformities. What type deformities are they saying they will prevent: flexural or angular? I do think mares with more exercise do better than those with less, mainly to help minimize leg and teat swelling. But these are general guidelines that depend on the mare. DrO
|
|