In this video, Dr. Rachel Doenges gives us some tips on taking a broodmare and giving her a second career. Doenges is a veterinarian at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

(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.)

From Broodmare to Riding Program

“If you are taking a broodmare and putting it into a riding program, they generally do great,” said Doenges. “That’s something we are seeing more and more. A lot of the rehoming and finding new careers for especially some of our Thoroughbred mares is a great opportunity.”

What to Watch For

Doenges said there are ‘big’ things she would watch for in adapting former broodmares to a riding program.

Watch for vulvar discharge. “These mares might have had some previous foaling trauma,” she noted. “They are not ‘fresh off the lot.’ “

She advised getting as much history on the mare as possible. “Some reproductive traumas can lead to cervical defects and other problems that predispose her to endometritis (infection in the lining of the uterus),” Doenges said.

That means you need to pay a little closer attention to these mares than you might with fillies or mares that have not previously foaled.

Mammary Development

Doenges advised that if you take a former broodmare that you should pay close attention to her mammary development (teats).

“Some of these mares will produce some watery fluid,” noted Doenges. “But if they are producing a lot of fluid from their teats, that’s something to consult about with your vet.”

Final Words

Doenges said a lot of these mares go on to wonderful careers after being a broodmare.”

Further Content