Losing the will to live - how long do you keep trying?

[Equinemidlifecrisis]

Thank you all so much for all your comments and thoughts, I really appreciate everything you’ve shared.

My mare has had another round of AI and we’re waiting for the ‘dot’ scan. Based on the terms with the stallion it was a no brainer to give it the shot really. Vets recommended we give the regumate a go this time.

If this doesn’t work out I think I would try again next year, but only after a full investigation of her uterus as you have recommended, and I would definitely look to send her to the stud as some have suggested where they can be on it the whole time and time it perfectly. My question would be the travel distance - my ideal stallion is about 5 hours away and I wonder if it’s all too much stress for her? She’s a great traveller, very calm, but I guess that’s a heck of an ask for a horse?

In addition any thoughts on these fertility supplements/feeds? She’s just been on really good grass and as mentioned condition is fine per the vets, but I see vitamin E being recommended and there’s even dedicated things like Pavo Fertile? Are they worth trying? If this doesn’t work I could start her on that come early next year!

I have read around the page and shed some tears. As mentioned I lurked here a long time and recall following through some truly heart breaking accounts. Thanks to this page I have been so very aware of what can go wrong - but more at the other end of the process. I’ve also had local horse owners lose mares and foals together when they tried to breed and having almost talked myself out of the whole thing a couple of times because of that I’d planned to send her to a stud where she can be watched the whole time for later stages and birth, but I guess I didn’t worry enough about the start of it all so maybe this has been a shock and a hard learning process for me!

I’d love to share pics of her as she is so pretty but I am keeping this whole thing very much on the QT as her current stables do not facilitate mares with foals, so she’d have to move, but it’s a place we’re both very happy at and I’d rather not have the stable owner think we’re moving if we’re not if you see what I mean. Pointless having that discussion until it’s necessary! I have alternatives in mind but it’s all very much ifs and buts and if she has to stay away at stud a bit longer I’ve prepared for that too.

Thanks again for speaking with me, it’s really helped. I feel more positive and stronger! Will give it a little longer and hope…

[Sparrowette]

While my mare was expecting, I gave her this:

ANIMED MareKare Vitamins & Minerals Pregnant & Nursing Powder Horse Supplement, 2-lb tub - Chewy.com

Also, if your barn is not “into” mares with foals, I’d move her anyway. Now. This is not a journey you want to take by yourself. The barn where your mare lives every day is a key part, and they need to be on your side.

[Equinemidlifecrisis]

Thanks everyone for advising and chipping in.

Sadly the last attempt failed and we are not pregnant.

Now not sure how to process this and move on. Very sad.

[Rackonteur]

I am sorry to hear this. Sending lots of hugs.

[Texarkana]

I’m so sorry. Sometimes breeding just sucks a big one, even when you are doing everything right.

@Equinemidlifecrisis

My question would be the travel distance - my ideal stallion is about 5 hours away and I wonder if it’s all too much stress for her? She’s a great traveller, very calm, but I guess that’s a heck of an ask for a horse?

I had bad luck with this; that doesn’t mean you will. But if I had to do it again, I would board my mare in the area for a looooooong time (several months or even the duration of the pregnancy) instead of just short term for breeding.

[Sarah616]

There was an article recently on the Chronicle that at first I thought you may have written
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/baby-on-board-breeding-is-not-for-the-faint-of-heart/

Might be good to read another’s experience with a hard to breed mare

[Equinemidlifecrisis]

Thanks - yes the distance is something of a worry. The vet didn’t seem too concerned, she’s been a chilled patient through absolutely everything we’ve tried and done to her and she is a super traveller, always landing cool as a cucumber and practically horizontal she’s that laid back about it all. But I’d already considered exactly what you said, could they keep her there for a significant period at least for the early stages of her pregnancy! I’d not look to travel her that distance myself in my little box. I’d want the top nationwide transporters in the UK who do this all the time in my corner! But it’s definitely another worry. We’ve not ruled out sending her down there right now…

[Equinemidlifecrisis]

Thank you. It’s been rough! But I know from this page how much worse it’s been for some unfortunately.

[Equinemidlifecrisis]

Thank you so much for this. It was a comforting read and I hope it goes well for them!

[Equinemidlifecrisis]

Just thought I’d post now the dust has settled a little, I had the news this morning.

I’ve already agreed to her having a uterine biopsy as some have recommended. So we’re planning for that now so we can check her out and rule out issues there.

I’m going to consider sending her away to the stud if we try again next year. It’s a long way though. May need to reconsider sire. Which would be sad as I’ve sooo wanted this horse… but we’ll see.

I’m sad that it didn’t work this time but nowhere near as sad as I was when the little embryo was lost. I think because it was there, and I was so happy! It’s harder to be really crushed over something that was never there and I’d steeled myself for possible bad news in advance.

Thanks again for everything you’ve shared and for this page! It’s been such a help. Even if it’s made me so sad at times! It’s that ‘you’re not alone’ feeling.

[Libby2563]

@Equinemidlifecrisis

My question would be the travel distance - my ideal stallion is about 5 hours away and I wonder if it’s all too much stress for her?

@Equinemidlifecrisis

I’d not look to travel her that distance myself in my little box. I’d want the top nationwide transporters in the UK who do this all the time in my corner!

I was thinking 5 hours away is nothing but knowing you’re in the UK explains your perspective a bit better. It’s all about what one is used to I guess!

[Warmblood1]

I wouldn’t hesitate to send a mare to a very reputable breeding center. I do it any time I breed. 5 hours (to me) is not a big ask for a horse that travels well. I also don’t send my mare long term, just enough to get the job done. It’s gone very well from me and had I not utilized the resources of experts, I feel I wouldn’t have had the success I’ve had, particularly with older maiden mares that were difficult. Timing is absolutely everything in breeding.

Also, if your chosen stallion is offering fresh semen of high quality (proven by semen analysis), then I’d still use that stallion. It would be beneficial if the semen didn’t have to travel. But I’d want to make sure that the stud utilized a vet that specialized in equine repro and their process if going AI.