Franklin Levinson's
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Breeding and questions of the heart about horses
I have had a yearling stud colt for about 7 months now. He was 5 months old when I got him. He was born the day after the colt I lost to lightning last August. My mare was initially resentful, but has now grown close with him. I have them completely separated right now, because he has exhibited what I believe as his ability to breed-as my first colt that I lost was the result of a yearling stud colt in the field with my mare that could "do no harm". A year later I learned different. I would love to breed her, but am afraid, that if it wasn't for sure the lightning that killed my last colt, if it was a genetic thing, I will lose another. And for anyone that doesn't think that a horse knows things, when I initially found my colt lifeless on the ground under a locust tree, with his mouth clamped down on a strand of wire, I screamed bloody murder, even if I didn't plan on having him, my bond with him was unbelievable, when my mare "O", heard me scream over the colt "Spirit", she came running up to me and just as gently as she could nuzzled me and held me up as I hugged her neck and just boohooed. She had obviously dealt with the loss, and was ready to be there for me. She was never jealous of me handling him, even at an hour old. I took her to the vet the next day, to check for depression-mood changes etc. and went ahead and got all of her shots, a month overdue, not knowing what effects they might have on the colt while nursing. She has been fine, and like I said, I think has somehow in her own way, understood that this new colt was my way of replacing the hole in my heart after losing her colt, and sort of took him on. Will this make a difference if I were to put her in with him to breed them? I don't know. I am planning to keep him as a stallion, because of his gentle and loving nature. My mare is not registered, but I love her personality and her build. She is moody, as all mares are, but she was such a good mother and I want another chance at raising a foal from her. I am just so worried that I might get attached to another from pregnancy to birth to 3.5 months old and then lose it again because of some disorder that she might pass on to her foals. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated. And I admire and sympathize with the way you obviously feel about horses. To me, they are a gift from God-a way of reminding me that no matter how hard a day I have had at work, and how hypocritical people may be, they are not. They love us unconditionally and truly bless my heart. Thanks again for your advice. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely, Amy
Hi Amy,
Quite a story you have related to me. Thank you. Please accept my sincere regrets on the loss of your colt.
Please do not let whether or not you might lose another horse to a freak accident, or whatever, deter you from getting attached to another horse. Loss is part of life and we all have to deal with it. Your love for your animals and your willingness to give them you best makes you the ideal horse owner. Please do not let fear of some unknown and unforeseen future event prevent you from having all your hearts desires in this life and that includes lots of horses.
As long as there is no genetic relationship between this mare and the colt, it should not be a problem to breed them. Whether or not the mare will accept him remains to be seen. But I think she probably will. He is a bit young and immature to breed as yet. I understand how young colts (as young as a year) can be sexually mature even though they do not look it. I would still wait until he is two to begin the process. If it does not go well at his young age, it can produce reactions in him that are not desireable for future breeding. This is my thought about that.
I am quite impressed with your stated feeling about horses. I agree and concur. We seem to be very much on the same page with all this. Please keep in touch with me and let me know how it all goes. I extend many Blessings to you for happy horses in your life. Perhaps you might consider becomming a trainer yourself. Consider the good you could do for horses and the humans you come in contact with. Let me know if this interests you. Please keep me posted........
Sincerely yours, Franklin