Breeding Your Mare
Author:  Carolyn Grant

So, you are thinking of breeding your mare?  Of course, you’ve chosen 
your mare carefully, and she is a careful blend of type and pedigree. 
She is “the mare of your dreams.” You probably had the “right” stallion for her 
lined up long ago. Good.  This article is NOT for you! 
This article is for the mare owner who has purchased a mare and is now 
looking for the right stallion to breed to that mare.  For those who are still reading… 

Your goal in breeding should be to improve the breed with every foal, 
and to make a commitment of responsibility for that foal's well being.

 First thing is to know your mare’s pedigree.  Study her type 
and see where it comes from.  If you don’t know about the horses in her pedigree, 
don’t be afraid to ask for help!    Pay careful attention to which traits and 
characteristics have come through from the different individuals in her pedigree. 
Then consider which traits and characteristics you’re looking for in a foal. 
Choose a stallion that consistently seems to pass along traits that you are looking for.

Be realistic in the selection of your stallion. NO stallion is a “magic bullet.”    
If you want the look of that stallion, look at your mare’s type and pedigree 
to see if the individuals in that pedigree point in that direction. 
The stallion can only do so much.  Have realistic expectations.  
Find a stallion owner who will work with you and keep your best interests in mind. 
That person shouldn’t be afraid to send you in the direction of another stallion 
that may be better suited to your mare.  
Go and see as many stallions as possible.   Responsible stallion owners 
will suggest that you do just that.  If their stallion is truly special, they should 
want you to 'shop around', as you would then return with the knowledge that 
you have made the right decision.  Be wary of stallion owners who don’t 
think you need to look at other stallions. What don't they want you to see?

Don’t pick your stallion from just a pretty picture in a magazine. 
See the horse in the flesh, if possible, or talk to people who have seen the stallion. 
You can’t get an idea of the real  body structure, type, way of going, 
or temperament from a photo.  At the very least, review a video of the horse, 
and ask around about the stallion’s reputation as a producer.  Are other people
interested in the same stallion you are interested in? If  so, why? 
If not, why not?  a great part of a stallion’s value is in his name recognition.  
Look at and compare the foals your potential choice for a stallion has produced.  
Are they consistent? 
Are they quality?  
Would you purchase one?

  Is the stallion owner helpful and knowledgeable?  How friendly and helpful 
is he or she on your third or fourth visit?  
You should build a lasting relationship with the stallion owner; and they 
should be interested in you and the foals by their stallion.  
Does the stud fee of the stallion you really like make you weak in the knees?  
Ask the owner if he/she offers terms and is willing to
work with you. This is your dream so don’t be afraid to ask!  
Remember, there are many stallions out there—Polish, Russian, Egyptian, etc. 
Most breeders do have a preference, but it does not mean that ‘other’ bloodlines 
are not worthy.  It’s the preference of an individual. As your knowledge and 
experience increase, you, too, will probably develop a preference. 
Make sure it’s your  idea and not someone else’s.  
Responsible breeders should agree with the above.

Big mistakes can be made by breeding for color—yes, here it comes.  
If it’s black you have to have, then get out there to see which stallions 
have the type and other characteristics that you would like your foal to have. 
If the stallion were not black, would you still be interested in breeding to him? 
Try looking at pictures of a black stallion in 'negative' 
(Most computers can do that for you).  
How does that stallion look now?  Remember, quality first!