Horse Breeding Basics

Breeding horses involves the process, ideally, of selecting two horses with desirable traits to produce offspring with those same desirable traits, pregnancy, and finally the mare birthing a healthy foal.

Some basics of breeding horses include:

• Selecting breeding stock: The first step in breeding horses is to select the two horses that will be bred. It is important to choose horses that have desirable traits such as good conformation, athleticism, temperament, and soundness. You also want to consider the breed registry/registries the foal will be eligible for. It is important to breed for the better, not just to have a foal.
• Stud fees: You will need to pay a stud fee for any stallion you don’t own. The stud fee is the amount of money charged by the stallion owner for the use of their stallion’s semen. The cost of the stud fee can vary greatly depending on the stallion’s reputation, pedigree, and accomplishments. On top of the stud fee, there may also be shipping fees or collection fees, so be sure to understand all associated fees before committing.
• Timing: Mares only ovulate once per cycle, each cycle being approximately 22 days in length, so timing is important when breeding horses. A veterinarian can help determine the best time to breed the mare via ultrasound to increase the chances of pregnancy.
• Insemination: Artificial insemination (AI) is a common method used in horse breeding. AI involves collecting semen from the stallion and then depositing it directly into the mare’s uterus. This can be done on the farm or at a breeding facility. Veterinarians can help you accomplish this (or you can take courses to learn how to do this yourself). You can also live cover your mare, which means the two horses breed physically. You only want to breed when the timing is right to give the best odds for pregnancy.
• Pregnancy: You will want to confirm pregnancy. To do so, your veterinarian (or yourself if you have the equipment and training) will ultrasound your horse to determine if your horse has ovulated as expected, therefore coming into contact with the semen. Once the mare is confirmed pregnant, it is important to provide her with proper care and nutrition to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This includes regular veterinary check-ups, proper feeding, vaccinations, worming, and appropriate turnout and exercise.
• Foaling: The gestation period for horses is approximately 11 months. On average 335-342 days, but can be as short as 315 days or as long as 400+ days. When the mare is close to foaling, she should be monitored closely for signs of impending birth. Foaling can be a stressful time for both the mare and foal, so it is important to have a plan in place for assistance if needed.
• Raising foals: Once the foal is born, it will need proper care and nutrition to grow and develop into a healthy adult horse. This includes regular veterinary check-ups, proper feeding, vaccinations, worming, handling, and socialization.

Breeding horses requires a significant investment of time, finances, and resources, and it is important to have a thorough understanding of the process before beginning. Working with experienced professionals, such as a veterinarian or breeding specialists, can help ensure a successful breeding program and foaling.