The overall health of senior equids used in breeding is important. Reproduction specialist Dr. Maria Schnobrich talks about general health management in this video. Since 2012, Schnobrich has worked as a theriogenologist at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital with a primary focus on problem mares and stallions. She practices ambulatory reproduction and advanced reproductive techniques. She has been involved in several research projects collaborating with colleagues locally and nationally.

Schnobrich’s interests include diagnostic methods for the problem mare, enhancing reproductive success in the mare and stallion, and evaluating field data to assess practices that enhance reproductive efficiency. 

(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)

Exercise and Overall Health

“One of the things that I think happens when we have animals in breeding programs is we do forget their overall health,” said Schnobrich. “One of the things that is most beneficial in the older breeding animals is exercise. We forget that exercise is extremely important to them. And due to arthritis, they may not be interested in exercising as much as they would when they were younger.”

Schnobrich said some breeding farms that have older mares on a hotwalker just to make sure they have good muscle tone. “Also, that movement stimulates the uterus and causes uterine contractions,” she added.

She stressed that keeping older animals healthy and slightly fit is “very beneficial. It can make a huge difference in reproductive health.”

Schnobrich said exercise is also important for stallions and their libido. “If they are being ridden or exercised…when they are engaged in many activities, you can maintain their youth for longer, I believe.”

She said using exercise and stimulating the stallion are things to consider when you see a stallion losing libido or losing its topline. The same is true when you see a mare’s uterus becoming atonic (when the uterus fails to contract properly after foaling).

Final Words

“Sometimes, increasing exercise is one of the best things we can do for reproductive health,” stated Schnobrich.

Further Content