Rollestone Farm Stud & Livery

Probably a stupid question, but are there any physical signs that are reliable to be able to judge whether a mare is a maiden or not?

Now I ask this question because my daughter, at nineteen, still occasionally manages to flumoux me with random questions.

I have two mares, one elderly at 30 something, who has never had a foal, and another who possibly has.

This 'possibly' comes about because whilst bathing the ladies last weekend, my daughter stated...Has Katie had a foalie mum? Erm...I have no idea say's I, why? Well her nubbins are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay bigger than Penny's (the old mare).

My mind faltered fumbled...I had a feel, and without doubt There is a huge difference. Discussion with fellow liveries was not exactly conclusive, but the feeling was it could be an indicator...that or Katie needs some sports bra for horses.

There was discussion of fuller vulva's also...so I figured if there was anywhere to get a reliable answer...it would be here.

REALLY looking forward to replies.

Team Spotty and the Cam Fan Gang

Does not answer your question but I know for a fact our 2 mares have not had any foals/been covered before..... had one since she was 2years old and the other since 9 months old and my older mare - 14 years old now has MUCH bigger 'nubbins' than my 9year old.

My 14year old has had mastitis before due to flies - this may be the reason.

I do know that in ponies in particular, if they have been over weight at any time in their lives they store fat around the 'titties' giving the apperance of previous foals.
Our mares - meg, never had a foal is very petite in that deptartment,(AAA cup! lol) - juno (aged 23) also never had foal is slightly larger (A cup) and mischief POSSIBLY has had foal as hers are baggy!(slack B cup?) She is also 'spongier' around her belly! BUT this could be the fact she is a lead rein pony so not tonned or it could have been a previous owner left her a bit porky!
Juno, on the other hand has always been maternal and used to foster baby lambs, if she could feed them she would have done, maybe this encouraged her to 'grow' from an AAA to an A!!
Who knows?!! - Great subject, very interesting!! BOOBS lol

well thanks for the feedback...must say I am even more confuddled now!!! Though also highly amused and loving this forum even more.

I mayhave to design mare bra's...hehehehehehe

The internet is also seemingly useless in helping me with this query, gosh damnit.

There must be an answer somewhere surely?

May just come down to me making a small ass of myself a phoning the vet for advise but part of me does not trust them for love...and especially money, have had several not to good experiences and avoid them as much as possible to be honest.

**wonders if wiki has info on 'nubbins**

My oldest mare who is now 23 years and has spent her life having foals must a mega DDDDDDD cup size or bigger if they go bigger lol....