How to Choose a Stud for a Mare

Choosing a stud for your mare is an important consideration. It is also a decision that requires a lot of thought and consideration, especially as the stud fees can often be a sizable investment. With this eHow, you'll find information that can help you choose a stud for your mare.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Look for the attributes that the stud possesses when choosing a stud for your mare. If you are looking for an animal that has good endurance, look for a stud with a record in endurance events. If you want a jumper for three-day events, find a stud with a record for placing well in those events. If a champion racehorse is your aim, seek out a stud with a proven track record.
2. Decide what animal you wish to produce. A larger stud will produce larger offspring, for example. If a larger-sized animal is desirable, this would be a consideration when choosing a mare for your stud.
3. Consider whether to choose a stud that is the same breed as your mare, or one that would be compatible. For example, the famous Canadian Hunters are a thoroughbred/hunter mix that are good, solid hunters, as well as three-day eventers.
4. Examine the bloodlines of the stud when choosing a stud for your mare. You should be able to find a solid history of performance in whatever event you for that you are seeking. These bloodlines are available online, especially if the stud is registered.
5. Visit the stud to determine his temperament when choosing a stud for your mare. A kind stud will most probably have kind offspring. A wild stud will most likely provide the same personality.
6. See offspring of the stud when choosing a stud for your mare. If the stud has a history of good, quality offspring, this is a great plus. The converse is worth avoiding.
7. Study the stud's confirmation when choosing a stud for your mare. You want an animal with good, steady confirmation that will pass this on to his offspring.
8. Figure out how much you wish to pay in stud fees when searching for a stud for your mare. Stud fees can be a sizable investment.
9. Learn which method of insemination the breeder prefers. Some breeders prefer artificial insemination, which has its own fees associated with it (for semen collection, implantation of the semen, and more.) Others prefer "live cover." The last requires transportation of your mare to the stud, but it does negate any question of paternity.