Nervous Broodmare -- Need Help.

[Wayne]

My broodmare stays on a 5 acre pasture by herself, this pasture is next to another pasture with 2 geldings on it. My mare paces back and forth along the fence line when the geldings are not close to her. When she finally gets the geldings close to the fence she is fine. We recently went to the vet for her second palpation and she is in foal. We are currently feeding her 14% Classic and Alfalfa twice a day. Any one have any advice on what I can try to calm her down, I am very concerned about her getting hurt and sweating all day pacing up and down the fence line. Should I maybe try to change her diet and go with a feed with less protien? Any help would be appreciated.

[TBLADY]

if shes out all of the time why such a high protein diet and alfalfa?

can you give her a buddy in the pasture? Sounds like she would be better off with a friend of sort even if its a goat.

[Bondama]

Are these not your geldings then, I assume? And that's why the mare can't be in their pasture? I agree with TBLADY, your mare needs a companion or three!

Blessings,

[Skipitgirl]

Definately get her a buddy. Lots of pasture pals need homes. She will calm down alot! Also she is on a lot pf protein. I would tweak her diet, perhaps try grass hay instead of the alfalfa.

[Wayne]

Problem solved..Changed her diet a little by cutting back on the feed program and picked up stakes placed mare . Thanks for all of you advice.

[Diane]

Congrats on your new sw mare. Your nervous broodmare might do better with a buddy that's not another hot blood though. Unless this new mare is older, very quiet and prefers grazing they'll both pace the fencelines. Mine has had a variety of pasturemates, mares, geldings, arabs, saddlebreds and warmblood crosses. It was a big 1/2 Shire filly who would rather graze and would not be pushed into pacing the fenceline that finally started her grazing. She gained weight for the first time in her life thanks to that draft filly and it didn't cost me a dime in supplements.

[JaradM]

Diane,

The new mare is 6 years older than my other mare. She is all about grazing all day long. Has really made an improvement to the farm and not just by the pedigree she brings to the table. I am really happy with the addition.