Broodmares: Machines or Mothers?
In The Handmaid’s Tale , a dystopian series based on the novel by Margaret Atwood , women live in a totalitarian society where they are reduced to their reproductive capacity. Some women, the "h
andmaids," are forced to bear children for wealthy and powerful families . They have no control over their own bodies, are used solely for their fertility, and once they give birth, the cycle starts again .
A shocking and unsettling concept when it comes to humans… But have we ever considered how we treat our animals?
Advanced reproductive techniques, such as hormonal stimulation , embryo transfer , and OPU/ICSI, have become the norm. Not to save an endangered species , nor to fulfill a deep personal desire for a child , but often purely for commercial purposes . Surrogate mares carry foals that are not genetically theirs, and their bodies are used to the maximum. A Handmaid’s Tale... The question is: where do we draw the line between animal welfare and profit maximization?
What is clear is that medical care for these mares should never be up for debate.
Every year, we see dozens of emaciated (surrogate) mares that barely receive the care they need. These horses require extra attention, especially regarding nutrition and dental health . They have high energy demands , and just like pregnant women, hormonal changes can impact their dental health.
A uterus alone does not produce a healthy foal. Proper medical follow-up , including a thorough dental examination , should be a standard for all (surrogate) mares.
A broodmare deserves the right care – investing in her health shows your heart for horses and secures the future of her foal!
FAQ
1. What does “breeding mares: machines or mothers?” mean?
Equide prompts reflection: some breeding mares are treated like production machines, subject to techniques like hormonal stimulation and surrogate gestation — sometimes at the expense of their health and welfare.
2. Why is medical care, including dental care, so important for broodmares?
Because these mares face elevated demands — high energetic load, hormonal changes — which also affect oral health. Regular veterinary dental monitoring is essential for their health and the foestus's health.
3. How can one optimally care for a breeding mare?
By providing holistic care: tailored nutrition, reproductive follow-up, regular dental checks, preventive medicine, and by respecting her limits instead of pushing for maximum production.
