1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

take pictures. It's easy to let your judgment get clouded looking at a gorgeous animal and the pictures will identify any conformational faults you may have missed. As you are viewing the stallion, also mentally picture the resulting foal if crossed on your mare. While at the farm and think the stallion is high on the list, ask for a breeding packet. The packet should include the contracts and the farm's rules for breeding.

On your return home, read the contracts and rules carefully. In order to successfully breed your mare, good communication with the stallion owner/farm and your veterinarian is essential. Each farm may have different rules for their stallions, so make sure that the one you decide on will be available for breeding at the time your mare is due to ovulate, whether you breed live cover or artificial insemination. They may want your mare to have a clear culture thirty days prior to breeding. Be diligent in your communication with everyone. If everyone is on the same page, and the correct protocols are followed, breeding your mare should be a fairly easy task.

Cost is another factor when breeding. Stallion fees range in all prices, depending on pedigree, success of his get, etc. However, you may find that the stud fee is the least of the cost. By the time you get a foal on the ground, on the average, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars in vet bills, boarding fees, feed bills, and the stud fee. You may even elect for the mare to foal out at the stud farm or at your vet. There's a fee for that as well as the boarding of your mare, starting thirty days prior to her projected foaling date. However, I consider foaling out at your vet or the breeding farm money well spent. If this is your mare's first foal, there could be complications and a vet is normally on the farm or on call twenty four hours a day during foaling season. You may also wish to be present at the birth, especially if you wish to breed her again. You'll gain valuable experience in the process and that experience may enable you to foal out at your own place the next time. Ask lots of questions, even if you think the questions are stupid. After all, everyone's best interest is served when there is a healthy foal on the ground! The sight of your first foal rising on wobbly legs for the first time is an incredible, wonderful moment and in my opinion, worth every penny spent.

The decision to breed a mare is yours to make and it will seem like an eternity before your foal is born. However, having done your homework and selected the best stallion you can afford to cross on your mare, the reward will be a foal with a good mind, correct confirmation and one that you can take pride in saying, "I'm the breeder."

Learn more about this author, Maureen Bordelon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Breeding horses: Stallion selection and mating?
We want to hear your view. Write now!