Choosing The Right Stallion For Your Mare

Choosing a stallion for your mare can seem like a minefield. As a result of AI and advances in technology, there are many possible suitors on the market. Here, we will try and help you make the right decision for you and your mare. 

  • Am I breeding for myself or for commercial purposes?

 

If you are breeding for yourself, you can afford to take more of a risk on an upcoming or unproven stallion if you like what you see. If you are breeding with the purpose of selling the offspring, do your research. You may want to choose a proven, well known stallion which prospective buyers will recognise. 

 

  • What is my budget?

 

Stallion stud fees can vary greatly in price and terms, and it is important to consider the veterinary costs to AI your mare as well as additional semen collection and shipping fees to ensure that you stay within budget. There is no guarantee in breeding, and it can be costly, so it is important to be realistic. 

 

  • What qualities do I want to improve in my mare?

 

There is no such thing as a perfect horse. Be critical of your mare and know her weaknesses. For example, if she is sharp and you want to breed progeny with a more level head, choose a stallion known to pass on a good temperament. If your mare needs more scope, use a stallion known for his athleticism.

 

  • What discipline or breed do I want to breed?

In order to give yourself and your horse the best possible chance of success, choose a stallion who is breeding progeny who are excelling in your chosen discipline. There are a number of stallions who are producing offspring competing in more than one discipline. If you can, try and see the stallion in person as you can see them “up close and personal” and get a feel for their temperament.

 

  • What are the progeny like and do you like them?

 

The more research you can do on the youngstock, the better. If there are numerous progeny, compare them and see whether you notice any similarities or shared traits. Don’t underestimate the importance of the dam line, both with your mare and the prospective stallion. Have the dam and also progeny from these lines competed successfully and to a satisfactory level for your requirements?

 

  • What semen is available from the stallion; fresh, chilled or frozen? – [Click through link here to the Understanding Semen Types Article]

 

Before breeding from your mare, we would recommend that your vet carry out a breeding soundness exam, to check that everything looks to be in working order before you begin. If your mare has been bred before, did she have any problems conceiving? In general, if you have a “problem mare”, it is advisable to use fresh/chilled semen as it gives the vet more options than frozen semen. For stallions standing at Stallion AI Services during the stud season, mares can be inseminated with fresh semen at the neighbouring AI centre, Twemlows Stud Farm only. For mares off centre, chilled semen can be shipped within the UK and EU*. 

 

  • What are the stud terms and do they work for me? – [Click through link here to Stud Terms – Jargon Buster Article]

 

Be sure to choose a stallion with a written contract as it is vital both parties know where they stand. Stud terms can be daunting but it is important to read them and ensure that you are 100% happy with what you’re signing. There are a number of different ways you can buy equine semen. Live Foal Guarantee (LFG) or No Foal Free Return (NFFR) mean that you can request more semen from the stallion without having to pay for the stud fee again whereas if you buy the frozen semen by the dose, you would need to purchase the semen again if the first insemination was unsuccessful. 

 

  • What is the stallion’s semen quality and fertility like?

 

Don’t be afraid to ask the stallion owner or agent questions about the stallion’s progressive motility and conception rates. At Stallion AI Services, we process semen from stallions visiting our centre using the latest technology and expertise to ensure that you’re getting the best quality possible from the stallion of your choice. When it comes to semen we have collected or frozen, we don’t release semen which hasn’t met our strict quality standards. 

 

If you would like no obligation help or advice choosing your stallion, please call either Sarah or Faye on +44 (0) 1948 666295, who will be happy to speak with you. 

*Subject to the stallion’s export status, please enquire.