Putting your mare in foal

Is there a better way to continue your beloved mare’s legacy than by producing a mini-me all of her own? For some owners, it’s the most logical conclusion to a brilliant ridden career. However, is her sentimental value alone enough to make her the ideal candidate for motherhood? And what’s involved in the process? We take a closer look at the considerations you should be prepared for if you choose to go down this route.

Top tip

Before you make the decision to breed from your mare, you’ll need to speak to a vet – ideally one who’s experienced in breeding – for their guidance.

Made for motherhood?

The most important consideration is whether or not your mare’s fundamentally suitable for breeding. Some unfortunately will have hereditary diseases making them a poor candidate – for example, sweet itch and certain types of orthopaedic disease. Alternatively, bad conformation or her temperament might rule her out – since foals learn so much from their dams. Other reasons for not breeding from a mare include any historic injuries that may deteriorate with pregnancy, or that might put her at increased risk during and after foaling.

The mare’s age is also an important consideration. She’ll be at peak fertility at approximately 6–7 years old and will begin to decline at 15, at which point getting and keeping her in foal becomes more challenging.

So, if you do choose to breed from your mare – or simply want to know more – here’s a guide to the process.

The perfect partner

First stop on your journey is selecting the stallion. When looking for a match for your mare, it’s important to consider what sort of offspring you want to produce. You’ll need to assess her critically, considering her strengths and weaknesses. Then, try to choose a stallion that complements her…

• temperament
• conformation
• athletic ability
• fertility
• disease status
• progeny

Grab a copy of April Horse&Rider magazine, on sale 24 March 2022, to find out more on what to expect if you choose to put your mare in foal.