BREEDING & FOAL MANAGEMENT

MARE CARE AND BREEDING SERVICES

KNOW THAT YOUR MARE IS LIVING HER BEST LIFE WITH US HERE AT BRAECREST

Broodmares living with us are so cherished.  They deserve nothing less than the best in nutrition, healthcare, and daily management.  We balance their daily care with many comforts that we believe they all deserve and enjoy. Grooming, blanketing, and time with people, along with the freedom of being a horse and enjoying ample turnout, socializing with other mares and foals, is all part of the recipe for optimal health.  Not a single detail goes unmanaged.

We can assist with everything for both ship-in mares and resident mares from fresh cooled breeding services, to pregnancy checks, right through to 24hour foal watch and assisting delivery. We work closely with Georgian Bay Equine and Ferguson Equine to help reach your breeding goals. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you.

FOALING AND RAISING SERVICES

FOALING SERVICES

We offer foaling services for ship-in mares, as well as our resident broodmares.  They are carefully observed 24/7 by our team of experienced foaling attendants, and Claire assists every delivery.  More often than not, foaling goes seamlessly and we have happy and healthy mares and foals. Occasionally there are mares that struggle with the labour process, or maidens that need some help bonding with their newborn.  Time is of the essence in any situation that isn’t a textbook delivery, and having experienced people immediately on hand, and veterinary assistance available on call, can make the difference between life and death.    Mares are supported through all the labour stages, including ensuring proper passing of the placenta. Mares and newborns have their vitals very closely monitored for at least a week postpartum. We provide Bemer (Bio-Electro Magnetic Energy Regulation) treatments to support the mare’s recovery postpartum, as well as anti-inflammatories as needed.

We have on-farm equipment to test colostrum quality, and have a colostrum bank from donor mares.  If there are any concerns with a new dam’s quality of colostrum, or if for some reason their milk has not come in sufficiently, we can immediately supplement the newborn.

RAISING SERVICES

We believe in handling the foals right from birth, nurturing their confidence and connection with people, all while learning good manners and patience. They wear their first leather halters at 24 hours of age, and learn to have their legs handled and to pick up their feet in preparation for farrier work. The foals are on a careful routine with farrier work to ensure they are developing at their very best. De-worming is also closely managed, between routine deworming and fecals to prevent heavy ascarid burden in the youngsters.

Some foals are born with angular leg deformities, lax or contracted tendons.  If addressed in a timely way, most of these complications can be managed so that the foal develops very correctly and suffers no ill effects or trauma to joints.  Glue-on foal shoes, splinting, and pain/inflammation management are all effective, non-invasive ways we are able to to help ensure your next champion develops as they should. Most of these options can eliminate the need for surgery.  We work closely with our vets and farriers to make this process as accurate and seamless as possible.

For more information on Braecrest Breeding Services  please click here.