The nurse mare industry has been a source of controversy over the years, but practices are changingmeaning a better outlook for orphan foals and mares alike.The arrival of a new foal is the culmination of planning, hopes and dreamsunless something goes wrong.Only about 5 percent of mares experience foaling difficulties, but it happens. Sometimes a mare dies during or shortly after foaling. Some mares reject their foals, while others dont produce adequate milk or get seriously injured and cant care for their babies.In any of these scenarios, prompt intervention is needed to give the foal its best chance for survival.Raising a bottle baby is certainly possible, but not the best option for a foal, who ideally needs to be raised by a horse to be properly socialized.Enter the nurse mare.In the traditional nurse mare business, mares are bred to have a foal each year so theyre available for lease if needed to raise another mares foal. When that nurse mare is called into duty, her own foal is left behind to be raised on milk replacer. Often called throwaway foals, some of them end up in the slaughter pipeline.The nurse mare industry has long been a reality, but not one that people spoke of with pride. Its a tragic irony that a business created to save valuable foals makes orphans out of others.Using a More Ethical OptionAs a young woman, Laura Phoenix worked in the traditional nurse mare business, but grieved over the brutal truth of those foals left behind. It was always sad, she says. I didnt like coming home to the orphans. She later left the business because of that aspect.Decades later, she learned about the concept of hormonally induced lactation (HIL). With HIL, mares are safely brought into milk production without being pregnant and having a foal.Laura Phoenix worked in the traditional nurse mare business before leaving it due to ethical concerns. After learning about hormonally induced lactation (HIL), she gave it a try with two of her own mares. Photo courtesy Laura PhoenixIn 2011, Phoenix gave it a try with two of her mares. After finding demand for the service, she started adding more mares. Today, Phoenix owns and operates Nursemares of the Northeast at her home base in Walton, N.Y., and Nursemares of Kentucky in Paris, Ky.Raised on a working horse farm in Virginia, Bronwyn Watts became a professional groom, working at the highest levels of eventing competition for years.Shed worked in the horse industry her whole life, but learned about the traditional nurse mare business by reading an article in 2017. This inspired her to look for a more ethical way to help orphans.A professional eventing groom for many years, Bronwyn Watts learned about nurse mares and looked into a more ethical way to help orphan foals, starting her business in 2018. Photo by Cynthia McFarlandAfter researching HIL, she got her first two mares and in 2018, launched ColdSpring Nurse Mares, LLC, in Ocala, Fla.Although their businesses are totally independent, Phoenix and Watts are both driven by the same passion.How HIL WorksWith HIL, mares are given hormones for a short period to mimic late-stage pregnancy and stimulate milk production, explains Alan Riggs, DVM, a veterinarian with Peterson Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Fla.After a brief hormone protocol, the mare has mammary gland development. It typically takes anywhere from five to 10 days for her to come into milk. Hand milking encourages further milk production until a foal is nursing her.Once the mares come into milk, they are milked at least twice a day to keep up the milk production. This is done until a foal is on them. Its completely safe for the mare and safe for the foals, notes Riggs, who specializes in reproduction.Each mare is different, and the protocol can be adjusted for each individual.With [HIL], lactation can be timed to when the mares will be needed, he adds. By far the biggest benefit is not having a foal that becomes an orphan.Phoenix and Watts each have their own unique protocols theyve developed over time and personal experience.The mares have 21 days of hormonal support protocol, and then theyre treated just like any other mare, says Phoenix. They dry up after weaning just like a mare whos had her own foal.Because one never knows when a nurse mare will be needed, Phoenix and Watts both keep mares ready in different stages of protocol throughout foaling season.Bonding with the Foal The traditional nurse mare leaves her own foal at home, and must often be sedated, blindfolded, hobbled and forced to accept the orphan foal. That trauma is never part of the process with HIL nurse mares and proper pairing.Pairing can take only minutes with very young foals but can take a little longer if the orphan is older when he loses his biological mother. Photo courtesy Laura PhoenixBut just having a lactating mare doesnt ensure success. The strategy is pairing the right mare with the orphaned foal so they can bond quickly and thrive together.Theres a lot of misconception that any lactating mare will make a nurse mare, says Watts. Its a very delicate situation. You have to really know the mare and know what youre doing bonding mare and foal.Great care goes into matching mare and foal, taking into consideration size, personality, history, and health of the foal.If a foal is hospitalized, the situation requires a mare who is not only going to bond with the baby, but whose personality can handle the NICU setting. Photo courtesy Laura PhoenixIf the foal is having health issues on top of being orphaned, it takes just the right nurse mare to fill the spot. Sometimes the foal is sick and already in the clinic. This situation requires a mare who is not only going to bond with the baby, but whose personality can handle the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) setting.The mare is hauled to the foals location. Every effort is made to ensure that conditions are optimal for bonding. The less distraction, the better. A team of two people is optimal: one to safely handle the foal and one to handle the mare.A team of two people is optimal for pairing: one to safely handle the foal and one to handle the mare. Photo courtesy Laura PhoenixThe mare is brought into the stall with the foal and the handlers stay in place until the foal is nursing, which helps cement the bond.The bonding process is dictated by the mare, says Phoenix. Safety is the No. 1 thing, so we take every precaution.Pairing can take only minutes with very young foals but can take a little longer if the orphan is older when he loses his biological mother.Great care goes into matching mare and foal, taking into consideration size, personality, history, and health of the foal. Photo courtesy ColdSpring Nurse MaresWhat Makes a Good Nurse MareWhat makes a good nurse mare? For starters, she must previously have had her own foals and proven to be a doting mother with good milk production.Nurse mares must be proven doting mothers. Most are in their late teens to 20s, often donated from Thoroughbred or other breeding programs. Photo courtesy ColdSpring Nurse MaresPersonality is a crucial factor. Nurse mares are sent to both small farms and large breeding operations. Either way, they need to be easy to catch and handle.Vices like stall walking or weaving will disqualify a mare, as will aggression or serious lameness issues, such as laminitis.If a mare is cribber, thats not a deal breaker if shes a good mom, but she will wear a crib collar, says Phoenix.Since most nurse mares are on the older side, averaging late teens to 20s, age isnt a negative factor, providing the mare is healthy.Both Phoenix, who has 220 mares, and Watts, who has 80, have built their herds through donations. Mares often come from clients who want their retired broodmares to have great homes.Although many are retired Thoroughbreds, there are plenty of other breeds in the mix, including warmbloods, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Arabians, Standardbreds, and draft crosses.For most nurse mares, raising orphans is their third career.In the beginning, we said we were saving a life, says Phoenix. However, we quickly realized were saving three: the unwanted broodmare, the client foal, and the throwaway foal.Situations with Unusual OrphansNot every client who calls needs a nurse mare for a horse foal. On occasion, baby equines of different species need a mom.In 2023, Nursemares of Kentucky came to the rescue when a zebra foal lost its mother. In addition to their dramatic stripes, zebras dont vocalize like horses, so it required just the right nurse mare to adopt this unusual newborn.The client was licensed to have exotic animals, but they didnt have the facilities to keep them in for bonding, so they brought the zebra foal to us, says Phoenix, who had prepped two mares for the unlikely orphan.Nursemares of Kentucky had one client licensed to have exotic animals with an orphaned zebra foal. Phoenix prepped two mares, and the first mare took to the unlikely orphan immediately. Photo courtesy Laura PhoenixThe first mare took to the zebra immediately and the two were able to return to the owners farm within four days.ColdSpring Nurse Mares has provided nurse mares for three donkey foals. One of these was a Poitou, a rare long-haired French donkey breed that is considered endangered.Watts says her nurse mare who raised the Poitou donkey foal was known for her powerful mothering instincts and had even nursed a calf.Watts nurse mare with a rare Poitou donkey foal. Photo courtesy ColdSpring Nurse MaresLease Arrangements for Nurse MaresNurse mares are leased for a flat fee plus delivery charge, which varies depending on distance. Between Phoenix and Watts, their nurse mares have been sent to clients in the entire eastern half of the U.S. and beyond.Foal owners lease the mare for as many months as needed to nurse the baby. During that time, the lessee is responsible for all mare care (feed, hoof care and deworming), as well as shipping the mare home after weaning.Nurse mares are leased for a flat fee plus delivery. The client keeps the mare as long as needed and cares for all of her management needs. Photo courtesy ColdSpring Nurse MaresIn the traditional nurse mare business, the lessee is required to breed the mare back, but obviously, this isnt required with HIL nurse mares.What these mares do is so special, says Watts. Were giving these older broodmares a job they love to do, helping an orphan foal, and not contributing to the population of unwanted horses. You cant go wrong with this.Phoenix agrees.Even with us putting out this many mares, Im still shocked to find out so many people dont know about this option, she says. These nurse mares are heaven sent. When we can fill that need without having an unwanted foal, everybody feels good at the end of the day.This article about the improving practices of the nurse mare industry appeared in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post How the Nurse Mare Industry is Changing for the Better appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Section Key Points Introduction to Equine Worm Management Importance of managing roundworms and tapeworms to maintain horse health. Roundworms (Ascarids) Impact: Respiratory issues, digestive problems, intestinal blockages. Life Cycle: Eggs shed in manure; larvae ingested from contaminated pastures. Tapeworms Impact: Weight loss, digestive issues, colic. Life Cycle: Require intermediate host (forage mite); horses infected by ingesting mites. Importance of Targeted Deworming Prevention of resistance due to overuse of dewormers. Fecal Worm Egg Counts (FWECs) used to determine treatment necessity. Strategies for Effective Worm Management Pasture Management: Rotational grazing, co-grazing. Manure Management: Regular removal, composting. Facilities Management: Sanitation, quarantine new horses. Managing Horses After Worming Stabling: Horses stabled for 24-48 hours post-worming. Pasture Return: Return to original pasture post-worming. Conclusion Combines targeted deworming, good pasture and manure management, and careful post-worming practices to protect horses and minimize resistance. Understanding Equine Worm Management: Tackling Roundworms and Tapeworms Equine worm management is a crucial aspect of maintaining the health and well-being of horses. Roundworms and tapeworms are among the most common parasites affecting horses, and effective management strategies are essential to prevent their negative impacts. This blog will delve into the importance of equine worm management, discuss the types of worms, and provide practical advice on how to manage them effectively. Introduction to Equine Parasites Horses are susceptible to various internal parasites, with roundworms and tapeworms being two of the most prevalent types. These parasites can cause significant health issues, ranging from mild discomfort to severe conditions like colic or diarrhea. Understanding the life cycles and behaviors of these parasites is key to developing effective management strategies. Roundworms (Ascarids) Impact: Roundworms can cause respiratory issues, digestive problems, and even intestinal blockages in severe cases. Life Cycle: They complete their life cycle inside the horse, with eggs being shed in the manure. The larvae can then infect other horses by being ingested from contaminated pastures. Tapeworms Impact: Tapeworms can lead to weight loss, digestive issues, and colic. They are particularly problematic because their segments can contain eggs that are released into the environment. Life Cycle: Tapeworms require an intermediate host, typically a forage mite, to complete their life cycle. Horses become infected by ingesting these mites while grazing. Importance of Targeted Deworming Traditional deworming practices involved regular treatments every few months. However, this approach has contributed to the development of resistance among parasites. Modern equine worm management emphasizes targeted deworming, which involves using fecal worm egg counts (FWECs) to determine if a horse needs treatment. This approach not only reduces the risk of resistance but also minimizes the use of chemicals in the environment. Fecal Worm Egg Counts (FWECs) These tests are recommended every eight weeks during the spring and summer months to monitor the parasite load in horses[5]. By only treating horses with high egg counts, we can ensure that dewormers remain effective. For more on equine internal parasite strategies, check Penn State Extension. Strategies for Effective Worm Management 1. Pasture Management Rotational Grazing: This technique allows pastures to rest and regrow, reducing the concentration of parasite larvae[2]. Co-Grazing: Grazing other livestock like cattle or goats can help reduce parasite loads by consuming grass around manure piles, thus exposing larvae to sunlight and reducing their survival[2]. 2. Manure Management Regular Removal: Manure should be removed from pastures regularly to prevent larvae development[3]. Composting: Manure should be composted before being spread on pastures. Proper composting can kill parasite eggs, reducing the risk of reinfection[3]. 3. Facilities Management Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfection of feed and water troughs can reduce the risk of parasite transmission[2]. Also, new horses should be quarantined and tested for parasites to prevent introducing resistant strains to the farm. Managing Horses After Worming After administering dewormers, it's crucial to manage horses carefully to minimize environmental impact and prevent the spread of resistant parasites. Stabling: Horses should be stabled for 24-48 hours after worming to prevent the release of chemicals into water sources or pastures[1]. Pasture Return: Horses should return to their original pasture after worming to dilute resistant worm populations, rather than moving to clean pastures immediately[1]. Conclusion Effective equine worm management involves a combination of targeted deworming, good pasture and manure management, and careful post-worming practices. By adopting these strategies, horse owners can protect their animals from the harmful effects of roundworms and tapeworms while also contributing to the long-term efficacy of dewormers.

The 2025 GCL season kicked off in spectacular fashion at Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena, with reigning champions Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames delivering a flawless performance to claim victory once again. Against a fiercely competitive field of 17 teams, they were the only squad to leave every fence intact over two rounds, setting the stage for an electrifying championship battle.Sophie...

The following has been written by the team at NAFWith the arrival of spring, mares begin transitioning out of their winter reproductive dormancy, bringing hormonal changes that can lead to challenging behaviours. Understanding these seasonal shifts is key to supporting the management of mares effectively.During the spring transition, mares may exhibit signs such as increased urination, separation anxiety, frequent squealing, and sensitivity when ridden. While these behaviours are often linked to hormonal fluctuations, its crucial to rule out other causes such as saddle fit or dental issues. Identifying mare specific signs helps in providing the right support, ensuring both comfort and performance.Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for mare health. Research highlights that overweight horses tend to have prolonged and more intense cycles, emphasising the importance of weight management. Regular Body Condition Scoring (BCS) helps ensure mares remain in optimal shape, preventing excessive hormonal fluctuations.Why Choose Five Star Oestress?When seeking natural, effective solutions for your mares seasonal discomfort, NAF Five Star Oestress is the perfect recommendation. This expertly formulated supplement combines key ingredients like Chasteberry, Crampbark, Black Cohosh, and magnesium to support hormonal balance, ease discomfort, and maintain focus. Unlike single-herb solutions, Oestress provides comprehensive support, helping mares stay comfortable and ride-ready. Available in a powder or liquid form, choose Oestress for:Comprehensive support Targets hormonal balance, behaviour, and physical comfortTrusted by riders Popular among mare owners seeking a natural alternativeVersatile use Beneficial for both mares and riggy geldingsFive Star formulation Expertly blended for maximum effectivenessWho Needs Oestress?Mares experiencing seasonal discomfortRidden mares with poor performance / reluctance to workAlpha mares with dominant behavioursMares with irregular cycles or sensitivity when touchedGeldings displaying riggy or stallion-like behaviors Shop NAF Oestress Harnessing Girl PowerMares are intelligent, bold, and loyal partners, and with the right support, they can thrive in every season. By choosing Oestress, youre not just providing a supplement youre helping build a stronger, more comfortable connection with your mares.Alongside NAF Five Star Oestress, at Redpost we stock NAFs varied range of supplements so you can be sure to provide the support your horse needs through the changing seasons. Whether you are looking to ensure they get a full spectrum of daily vitamins, or want to ensure they recover quickly after intense performance, NAF have something for every horse.Discover NAFs range on our website, in our Totnes Store, and on our app. Shop the NAF Range The post Spring is Here! Help Support Your Mare with NAF Five Star Oestress first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Abdel Said and his exceptional mare Bonne Amie have etched their names into the history books, securing a sensational second consecutive victory at the €575,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha. Under the floodlights of Al Shaqab’s iconic arena, the Belgium rider delivered a masterclass of precision and power, successfully defending his title against a world-class...

In a scintillating prelude to the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha, Hans-Dieter Dreher and Vestmalle des Cotis delivered a masterclass in speed and precision to claim victory under the dazzling lights of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The electrifying 1.50m jump-off class, designed by Peter Schumacher, tested the world’s elite horse and rider combinations to perfection,...

Horse Sport Ireland, on behalf of the Irish Draught Horse Studbook, is delighted to announce the awarding of a Gold Merit to two stallions based on their progenys showing results. The first of those stallions is the 2024 Champion Irish Draught Stallion from the RDS Dublin Horse Show, Moylough Supremacy (IDC1). Bred by the late John Gilboy in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, and owned by Patrick Hoare in Moylough Stud in Co. Galway. Sired by Carrabawn Cross (IDC1), this 2017 stallion is out of the Castana (IDC1) mare Ardcarne Vilamear (RID) by Castana (IDC1) and is a full brother to Moylough Legacy (IDC1). This dam line has also produced the Class 1 Irish Draught stallions; Castlegar Cool Mist (IDC1), 2014, S by Castlegar Rebel (IDC2) out of Coolagh Mist (RID) by All the Diamonds (IDC1). Hollypark Diamond (IDC1), 2015, S by Castlegar Fin Grove (IDC1) out of Coolagh Mist (RID) by []