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portraits. Seeing a sire firsthand is essential.

3) Temperament

A kind and tractable temperament is a considerable asset in a young horse. Conversely, a high-strung aggressive nature is a major drawback. A stallion can certainly pass on personality to his offspring. Spending time with a sire before signing a breeding contract for him can pay big dividends later.

4) Pedigree

It's all on the papers. A stallion's registry may be available online as well. The All-Breeds National Database lists stallions, mares, and their progeny. Virtually every breed registry will carry listings of premium studs. Breeders may wish to choose a stud that carries a prodigiously promising pedigree. Thoroughbred breeders, in particular, seek champion ancestry in a stallion.

5) Quality of Offspring

Before breeding to a stallion, it is important to evaluate the foals he has already produced, particularly from similar mares. Have any of his offspring begun competing? How did they fare? How are they performing? Do they have solid conformation?

6) Stud Fees

Stud fees can be a sizable investment. Compare costs, as well as features offered. Evaluate breeding contracts and what they include. Ask stud owners if they will provide a live foal guarantee, which assures you that they will rebreed your mare, if the first breeding does not result in a colt or filly.

7) Breeding Methods

The actual reproductive act may be accomplished through either artificial insemination or a live cover.

Depending on the breed, some stallion owners will not allow live-cover breeding. Simply put, the hooves can fly, and it can be dangerous. Artificial insemination may be done on-site (after collection from the stud) or through frozen semen. Associated costs may include semen collection fees, veterinary fees for implantation, and more.

In other cases, as with thoroughbred racehorses, breeding is exclusively live-cover. This eliminates any question of paternity. The mare's owner must transport the hopeful dam to the stallion's farm, where he is welcome to witness the transaction, as it were. Booking fees and boarding costs may apply (if the mare must stay overnight).

Dinner and flowers are not required, although the mare might enjoy some clover or a bran mash with molasses afterwards.

THE WAITING GAME

Whatever stallion you select, and whichever breeding method is done, you will likely discover within a few weeks whether your mare is successfully in-foal (pregnant). If she fails to cycle (come into heat), then you will know. This can be confirmed by a veterinary examination and ultrasound.

Eleven months later, you can hope to have the foal of your dreams!

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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