Donating Your Mare
At ColdSpring Mares, we give retired broodmares a meaningful next chapter as nurse mares. They provide care and companionship to orphaned or rejected foals while receiving thoughtful, individualized care of their own.
When a mare joins our program, she becomes part of ColdSpring for life. We do not sell our mares, and when their time as nurse mares is over, we remain responsible for their care and retirement.
We accept permanent donations only, and every mare must be healthy, gentle, easy to handle, and an experienced mother who truly enjoys caring for foals. If you think your mare may be a good fit, we would love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions…
-
The process involves an initial inquiry, preliminary evaluation, application and screening, veterinary assessment, acceptance criteria review, agreement and transfer of ownership, transportation arrangements, integration and training, follow-up updates, and recognition.
-
Mares must be at least 8 years old, have had at least 3 foals, exhibit exceptional ground manners, have no vices, and be in good health with the ability to produce milk. They should also be good at loading and transporting. Donors must provide the mare’s age, breed, medical history, reproductive history, current location, and willingness/ability to transport.
-
Mares receive proper care, training, and monitoring throughout their time in the program. We maintain transparency with donors regarding the mare’s role and care.
-
She goes directly back to the previous owner at their expense.
-
We do not provide regular updates, however you are more than welcome to email us in regards to your mare’s well being and we will be glad to give an update.
-
Yes, all donations, including nurse mares, are tax-deductible. Donors will receive a donation receipt for tax purposes.
-
Once the mare is ready for retirement from the program, we contact you and let you know her current status. If you would like to take the mare back, you are welcome to. If not, she will have a home with us.
-
We do our very best to provide the highest level of care to all of our mares. Quality of life will always be at the forefront, and while we retire most of our mares on property, we do understand on occasion, they may experience a medical emergency, like severe colic or injury, where euthanasia may be the kindest choice. All of our mares have access to regular and emergency medical care, and in the case of euthanasia or a passing due to old age, we do our very best to inform donors of a mare’s passing when possible.