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As stewards of each individual breed our responsibility lies in selecting a stallion that will enhance and not detract from the standards set forth by the respective breed association. The raging debate on unwanted horses continues, so the decision to breed must be made with great thought and planning.

Ideally, the mare you decide to breed should be of better than average quality. Assess the mare you're thinking of breeding, and try to be objective about both her bad traits and good. If there are serious issues such as crooked legs and bad temperament, I would urge that you find another mare to breed. Once you have made your choice, the selection of the stallion begins.

The stud that you'll want to select should improve your mare's minor faults. I look for a proven stallion that is similar in size with an exceptional temperament and confirmation. The stallion's offspring should be successful in their respective endeavors, whether jumping, dressage, western pleasure or reining. If the offspring have shown a propensity for your chosen sport, genetically you have a pretty good chance of a great foal. There are many sources to locate a stallion; your breed association, trainers, and the Internet are great places to start. However, the task can be pretty daunting. There are so many talented, well bred, nicely confirmed studs that it really gets down to which one you think will be the best cross on your mare.

Once you have selected that stud you think you may wish to use, contact the farm or owner that is standing the stallion. I highly suggest that you arrange to go view the stallion. Pictures in magazines or on the Internet may not be a true depiction of the animal. Most farms will be happy to accommodate you and welcome visitors. Take your camera. When you arrive, have them take the stallion out of the stall so that you can look at him closely. The stallion should be workmanlike in his disposition, a good indicator of a solid temperament. If he shows bad manners or is unruly in any way, be polite but do tell them that you don't think he will cross well on your mare and keep looking. Breeding stallions should be used to being handled frequently, so there is no excuse for unacceptable behavior. He may have accolades to the moon, but if this is his normal temperament, it may result in a difficult to train baby. If you are a novice breeder, you'll want your first babies to be willing and kind. If his temperament checks out, look at the stallion on all sides and

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