So, I have had horses my whole life... but I don't have any experience with breeding, pregnancy, foaling, anything like it. Tell me what you know! I'm not certain she's bred but my dad seems to think so, but we have not taken her to the vet yet, because we thought she was just fat. How long can she be ridden, if she is bred? How soon after she foals can she be ridden? She belongs to my sons, who are 5 and 3, so she doesn't do anything more than walk and trot. 

Okay, so my experience with this is very limited. But if she was bred, do you know when? If you're not in a warm all year climate then the last time she went into heat should have been around October, which would make her nearing the middle of her pregnancy. I would call a vet out right away, they can feel and let you know if there's a foal in a few minutes. All of that being said, where is she carrying the weight? Pregnant mares tend not to just get round, but their bellies will also drop down at a certain point and inflate more behind their ribs.

As far as riding, that reay depends on her condition and the type of riding being done. Some horses are okay six months in, some are put on stall rest after a few. Your vet will be able to tell you more. Not sure on after foaling, though. I would imagine, like humans, the recovery period is different.

Sorry I can't help more! Hopefully someome here can who has some foal experience! But yay foaly! They're the best :).

It could have been any time in the last year and a half... she was actually bred by a donkey, none of us thought that he was tall enough to be able to breed her, but it sure seems like he did!  It actually is pretty warm here all year as we're in south Texas... I want to say she looks further than six months if she is.  It's not like a normal grass belly, and it seems like her ribs are widening, kind of.  I called the vet and a pregnancy test is only $63, so I think I'll just do that.  I need to know whether or not she'll be rideable for my kids, for their summer rodeos.  If not... I guess we have a cute, possibly pinto, pony mule on the way!  Lol!

Horses carry foals for 11-12 months, so she could be pretty far along then!

I know I'm a bit late but:

The average mare carries for 11 and a half months.  They can go earlier or later; if she's a first time mother she should  go earlier simply due to statistics.

If she has been ridden regularly throughout the pregnancy, you can ride through to month 9 to 9 and a half.  It depends on the mares comfort level - some get so big a cinch is a difficulty for them as they pressure builds.  If they are only walking and trotting, and not sweating her up or working her hard, exercise is GOOD for her.  But some things to keep in mind with pregnant mares is that they are carrying added weight already, so be gentle mounting and no double riding, no working hard.

As for after the baby - you can ride within a few weeks, barring complications.  The foal will WANT to come with, but recommend within a pasture.  They wont be able to be separated for long times until the foal is older, and eating more than 50% diet of grass.

If you have questions, MSG me!  My family breeds AQH so I know entiiiirely too much

I'd definitely get her checked out by a vet so you can know for sure--but it sounds like that's what you're doing.

If you are going to have a little mule baby, I expect pics ;D Good luck!

Omg spotted mule.

Also never underestimate the determination of an intact male. If there's a will they will find a way~

Link Tree

Whatever happened with this? :).

Agreed with Sam, I want to know! :D

Paints since 6-8-14

did someone say south texas :)

Ouuuu I am intrigued! and I'm also with chao - a spotted mule sounds amaze!!