Turn Out the Old Broodmare

I’ve recently decided that I am fast approaching what I call “broodmare” status. Nothing center-drives that harsh fact home faster than having a beautiful and elegant seventeen-year-old daughter. (And possibly the sway back, crabby attitude and hay belly that is starting to appear). As much as I tell myself I don’t mind getting older, that age is only a number, I still seem to gracelessly accept this fact. But {hay}, I am also discovering there just may be some benefits to being the old broodmare...Here’s why:

• Fillies are oggled over for their looks. Ya know, nice straight legs, well-muscled and proportioned, a “v’d up chest”, strong hindquarters and a pretty face to boot.

Broodmares? Na. They’re just used-to-bes. Sway backs, gray hairs, and broom-tailed crabs but she sure “has some nice-lookin’ babies”.

• Somebody eventually tries to find the appropriate suitor, aka stud, for the filly; therefore, she always has to look and act her best. The old girls don’t much care anymore, because the studs lookin’ their way ain’t much to talk over the darn fence about.

• Young fillies have to prove themselves to be hard workers, reliable and dare I say, unemotional? The first sign of PMS and attitude gets her labeled and probably reprimanded.

Broodmares make darn sure everyone is well aware of their emotional status from the get go. They don’t mince words and you ain’t gonna get much outta them if you talk smart about it.

• In order for the young girl to keep in shape, you have to feed her right and exercise her frequently. After the old girl has foaled a couple of “keepers” you can pretty much bet that unless her teeth are bad, she can sustain on a rocky pasture with no grass or special needs, so she probably saves ya a little cash. Basically, she’s less maintenance, and you better just love her that way.

• You have to teach the young filly EVERYTHING. You know gain her trust, teach her slow, let her make mistakes. Broodmares already know EVERYTHING. Even when you think they don’t. Don’t ever make the mistake of trying to tell ‘em different. They didn’t make it this far by being stupid. 

• Youngsters think they have to be friends with the boys and compete with the other fillies. Old broads know where they stand with each other and learn to rely on their herd mates because they help get ‘em through the cold months.

To sum ‘er up, I suppose aging ain’t all that bad. With age comes a little wisdom, and a lot of life lived. Old broodmare status is well-earned and well-deserved. So go ahead and turn me out in that pasture. And don’t worry young filly, you’ll be finishing that race faster than you ever dreamed!

Happy Trails ~ Heather