At some point in the future I intend to breed my mare. I was wondering was it the oldest a mare can be to give birth and still be healthy? She’s been a very healthy horse up till now *knock on wood* so I really wouldn’t want to jeopardize her health. Thanks 
breeding age?
May 6, 2012 By 4 Comments
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For most horses, it is best to breed them from the ages of 4-15. If it is their first time, the older they get, the higher the risk will be.
I think around 18 is when most people say that you shouldn’t breed anymore. If it is your horse’s first foal, the risk is greater if she is older.
Here’s what my vet said. My mare, Maggie that I’m planning to eventually breed is 15. She acts like a 7yo and I don’t want to take her out of work yet, so I talked to my vet about when I should breed her, and when it is still healthy for her to breed. I use my state’s vet school (which is a very revered school, so you know it’s a good answer) said that as long as she is healthy and going strong, I can plan on breeding her in her older years. Most performance mares aren’t brood mares until about 18. As long as she’s cycling and in good female health, it’s good. Maggie’s also a pony, so that might help.
Lots of mares have healthy foals into their 20′s.