Hello Kim,

So nice to hear from you again! I’m sorry you’ve had difficulty with your barn situation – and I’m very pleased that you chose to find a different facility.

OK, let’s talk about your 23 year old first... I would definitely keep her on the Buckeye Maturity diet and not switch her to plain oats. She was doing so well on the Maturity before she started losing weight. So, since you do not have to feed her plain oats at this new barn, go back to your original plan. And, if you can give her the Necessity supplement, that would be even better.

About your pregnant gal …. I agree with your vet about not changing her diet. Keep her on her current feed. Plain oats will not give her all of the nutrients she needs and it will also provide her with too much plain starch (which is potentially harmful to her bacterial flora in her digestive tract). And, yes – go ahead and start her on the Mare Plus now.

It is not unusual for a maiden mare to show very little belly. During her last 90 days, she will put on ½ to 1 pound of weight a day! So, you will see change – I promise! Kim – I strongly recommend that you get hold of “The Complete Foaling Manual,” by Theresa Jones. It is, in my opinion, the best foaling guide out there. I’ve read several and this one makes it very simple to understand what to expect and how to be the best prepared for the foaling event. Please take a look at the book’s description on my website.

During her last 3 months, since she will be gaining so much weight, she will require more calories. So, increase her feed gradually, including her hay intake.

Please keep me posted as her time gets nearer and let me know if I can answer any questions. Your instincts are great – I’m really happy that your new barn manager will allow you to feed your mares in a way that’s in their best interest.

Great visiting with you again,

Dr. Getty

Hi Dr. Getty!!
Thank you for the prompt response! I am counting down the hours until their move (which is tomorrow at noon!!). It's been very hard sitting on this for the last week knowing that there was light at the end of the tunnel but it had to wait! I hope everything can still turn around and my old girl can recover again. This new barn owner seems nice and especially knows her stuff when it comes to broodmares!
On a good note, I think we saw the baby move today! The pregnant mare moved off by herself (which is not a good sign for her-usually means she's sick) and me and my friend went to follow her to check her out. She ate her treats with the usual vigor, LOVED her scratching and her tummy rumbled. All appeared well except she kept glancing at her sides. My friend thought she saw the baby move so had me look too and sure enough, we saw a little "thump" from inside her!! Having had 4 kids myself, I can't think of what else it could be! I'm sure it's strange for her!
Thank you again, you are a great help! I will hopefully not be writing again except to tell you that the baby is born! I have ordered the book you recommended and it's coming for Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!