How to Buy Horse Semen

Artificial insemination is a means by which owners can select the best stallions for their mares without any geographic considerations. You now don't need to ship your broodmares and foals miles away the minute an ultrasound shows a follicle, but artificial insemination still requires some planning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Develop a reliable teasing program so that you can predict your mares' heats with accuracy. Most stallion semen is shipped fresh and cooled, not frozen, so it's good for only a few days after it's collected.
2. Select a stallion for your mare. Keep the website or phone number of his owner handy, and check to see if they're available to take orders on weekends. If they aren't and your mare becomes fertile on a Friday evening, you may have to wait until the following cycle.
3. Have your veterinarian check for follicles if you're unsure about your mare's heat after teasing, or if you don't have a stallion available. The vet will use an ultrasound to look at your mare's ovaries.
4. Time your order to arrive when your mare is most likely to conceive. Most semen samples can be delivered within 24 hours.
5. Double-check the paperwork once the shipment arrives, and have the vet check for motility on a small sample of the semen. If you can confirm that the semen arrived with poor sperm, you may be entitled to a refund if your mare doesn't conceive.
6. Return the shipping containers to the supplier. Most suppliers send a return UPS or FedEx ticket with your order.