Step1
Decide why you want to breed your horse. What will be the intended use of the foal? Do you want a trail, pleasure or performance horse? You may want to breed your horse with a stud that excels in one specific area.
Step2
Determine your horse's breeding. Is she bred to work cattle? Is she a western pleasure horse? If you want to pass on your horse's natural abilities, breed her to a horse that does the same type of work.
Step3
Consider size. Do you want a foal that is bigger or smaller than your mare? Breed your mare to a stud that has a chance of giving you the size of foal you want.
Step4
Consider height. Is your mare a good height for the activities you plan to pursue? A horse that is too short or too tall will not be good for certain activities. Consider a stud that will offset the size of your mare. If she's short and you want a taller foal, breed her to a taller stud.
Step5
Consider your mare's traits. Does she have a back that is too long or a neck that is too short? Find a stud with the ideal or opposite traits to offset those of your mare.
Step6
Understand your mare's personality. Is she hot, sensitive and spooky, or is she calm and laid back? If you like the personality traits she has, breed her to a stud with the same characteristics; otherwise, find a stud that has the personality traits you're seeking.
Step7
Decide if you want to show or compete. If so, will the horse have to be registered as a specific breed, or can you have an unregistered horse? The breeding, bloodlines and registration of the stud may be very important. Otherwise, you may want to consider breeding to a horse of a different breed to give you the qualities you desire.
Step8
Determine how the horse will be bred. Will she stay at the stud's barn for a certain amount of time, during which she'll be impregnated and foaled out? Or will she come home directly after the breeding?
Step9
Determine if you want a live coverage - that is, will the stud actually mount the mare, or will the mare be artificially inseminated?
Step10
Determine payment for the stud fee if the mare does not conceive or slips (spontaneously aborts) the foal during pregnancy.
Step11
Determine where the foal will be born. Do you have protection for the mare in bad or cold weather? A foaling stall (an extra-large stall) is best for mare and foal.
Comments
RowdySpurs said
on 8/15/2007 A note to the person who said "Only professionals should handle stallions" I am not a professional and I have a stallion - Mr Go Heart aka Goer. I take him to horse shows (barrel races mostly, ropings, ranch rodeos, trail rides, etc.)and have NO problem with him. It depends on how they are raised! They have to have discipline just like children. He stands tied to the trailer (saddled or not), doesn't run his mouth, even ponied mares off of him! Many people I meet are amazed when they find out he is a stud, because of the way he acts (like a gelding). You don't have to be a professional, but you do need to have common sense and the ability to handle horses doesn't hurt, and not be afraid!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't breed your horse to get a cute baby. The only people who should be breeding horses are responsible horse owners. Breeder's who have safe facilities and are breeding to improve the breed. We have too many horses the way it is. If you're looking to just own a cute baby, buy one! If you're looking to improve the breed, great!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Ask for references from a stud owner. Be sure to have a written contract that specifically spells out what the mare owner's rights & responsibilities are as well as the stud owner's. Make sure you understand the entire contract.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you decide to get the stallion to mount the mare, and you know your mare may kick, be careful! You do not want to hurt the stud, or end up having to pay veterinarian bills! Place the "boots" over her hind hooves, so if she kicks, it won't cut him.
Anonymous said
on 3/26/2006 If you have a good registered horse, breed her. But if your horse is nothing to really look at, don't breed her. There are plenty of horses out there and a lot of them are going to slaughter houses. Also, if your mare has a male colt, get him gelded before he is a year and a half old. He will become aggressive if you don't. Only professionals should handle stallions.