Youngest you would haul a foal 4 hours. Would you take the pregnant mare this yr?

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Dilemma. Mare is just foal registered and needs to go to approval with either option I list. When I picked the stallion, I was planning on taking my mare and foal to the GOV inspection. But she was just a couple weeks in foal (I wasn’t even sure then) and I didn’t want to risk hauling her, so we didn’t make the early July date. She is now confirmed in foal, but that means, assuming the inspection is in July next year (it always seems to be) a 4+ hour ride for a 5-6 week old foal. I am REALLY uncomfortable with this. I think I already know the answer on that one, but WWYD?

Grrr. I wish the MN inspection was later in the year! I like May foals with our cold springs (and sometimes the mares don’t cooperate the first try). I’m not aware of any other option–private inspection, etc. for GOV?

Anyway, option one seems risky. Option two is RPSI in September. Also about a 4 hour drive. So my question, do I take my in-foal mare this year and then go back next year with her and the foal? WWYD? She will be around 60 days pregnant at that point. She’s ok hauling. Doesn’t love it, but doesn’t freak out or anything either.

[Highflyer]

I would not worry particularly about a 4-5 hour ride for a foal that age as long as you’re hauling loose in a box stall and it’s not ridiculously hot. It happens all the time with TB mares and foals.

[ejm]

Many Thoroughbred mares are required to foal in-state (or in Canada) so the foals can meet state-bred requirements, then shipped to Kentucky for breeding when the foal is a few days old. It’s been common and accepted practice for at least the 30+ years I’ve been around Thoroughbreds.

Ditto on shipping in a box stall (or a stock trailer with a good-sized open compartment) and traveling at night or very early in the day during hot weather.

[candyappy]

I would haul next year with the foal. If you have a stock type trailer even better.

[Pennywell_Bay]

I had to hauled a mare from Va back to PA (4 hours) when she was maybe 60 days pregnant. She had been at the clinic to breed, when they gave me the all clear I took her home.

I also took the same mare from PA to Indy (650 miles give or take) when I had to relocate. I was fortunate enough that she was maybe 70 -90 days pregnant. Again, vet guidance, all clear.

She had health, full term foals both times. However, I wouldn’t transport her for an inspection, but I can’t give you a good reason other than if you can do it next year, why not wait? I’d wait until the foal was on the ground if it was an option.

[sixpoundfarm]

There may be a GOV site in SW Wisconsin, contact Eowyn Brewer @ Serendipity Sporthorses.

[BeeHoney]

If you have a safe and appropriate trailer, young foals travel remarkably well. Assuming temperatures were reasonable I see no reason not to ship a foal that distance to an inspection. Obviously have things planned out carefully–make sure the foal is in good health prior to leaving (checking a temp before leaving is a good idea) carry hay and water with you, leave early in the AM to avoid the heat of the day, and plan your route to avoid sitting in traffic on a hot day. Also, make sure you have comfortable arrangements for the mare & foal at the inspection site if possible.

[Hillside_H_Ranch]

I think, in general, this is an area where people tend to worry too much. There have been several times that I’ve had to haul mares w/foals to an inspection site 12 hrs away (from Missouri to Texas). It’s always hot, but they e always done amazingly well. I have a stock type trailer, so it’s cool, they haul in a box stall size space w hay and water and we just load and go.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

[QUOTE=Hillside H Ranch;8236691]
I think, in general, this is an area where people tend to worry too much. There have been several times that I’ve had to haul mares w/foals to an inspection site 12 hrs away (from Missouri to Texas). It’s always hot, but they e always done amazingly well. I have a stock type trailer, so it’s cool, they haul in a box stall size space w hay and water and we just load and go.[/QUOTE]

But at 5 weeks old? Ok, I will think about the thoroughbred babies.

I guess I have hauled 5 hours, but 3 months old.

I appreciate everyone’s thoughts. I’m probably being overly sensitive, but my friend’s mare fell on her (newborn) foal and killed it in a gruesome manner this year and it’s on my mind.

Hillside, how do you keep the water from splashing all over?

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

[QUOTE=sixpoundfarm;8236494]
There may be a GOV site in SW Wisconsin, contact Eowyn Brewer @ Serendipity Sporthorses.[/QUOTE]

Next year?? Looks like they are about 8 hours drive.

So that’s an interesting thought. Go 4 hours with a five week old or go 8 hours with a 3 month old…(assuming it’s in the fall). Interesting question.

[weixiao]

Not quite as long a drive, but our young foals always shipped just fine back home after mares foaled out at another farm a few weeks before. Was never a problem. Temperature would be my only concern if you have a safe trailer and can ship loose in a box.

[Hillside_H_Ranch]

I’ve done the 12 hrs with a foal as young as 3 weeks before. If I had a mare that was a complete freak about being hauled, then I probably wouldn’t drive that far. But here in the Midwest, we don’t have a lot of options sometimes, in regards to inspections.
As far as the water goes, I just fill the buckets half-way and then give more as needed when we stop for gas, etc. It’s mostly interstate driving, so fairly smooth traveling. I always bring extra water, in case we’re stuck in traffic, or someone gets rambunctious and spills the water, but usually that hasn’t been a problem.

[Hillside_H_Ranch]

I think the bottom line is that if you aren’t comfortable with it, you shouldn’t do it If you’re stressed and anxious, it’s not going to be a fun experience, no matter what!