Tips for choosing a stallion

Here are some tips to help you determine the perfect cross, regardless of the genetics, breed and discipline of your mare.

1. Evaluate the mare:

Does she have good conformation? What are the aspects of her anatomy that need improving? Does she have a good temperament?
Does she have great bloodlines? What are her performance results? What are her dam and sire’s performance results?
Has she ever had foal before? Fertility?
Is she registered with a recognized breed registry and maybe even already approved for breeding?

2. Understand the market:

What discipline are you targeting for your foal? Recognition and credibility in one specialized discipline are not necessarily the same in another.
What is the objective for the foal?
- Foal for sale in-utero and/or before training?
- Future performance horse? What competition level are you aiming for: amateur or international top level?
- To be used as breeding stock in your program? Look at breed registration and aim for improving genetics and conformation.

3. Finding the right stallion:

To simplify foal registration, consider stallions approved in the same breed registry as the mare.
Choose a stallion that will improve your mare's weaknesses and/or complement her type (temperament, conformation, gaits, etc.)
The best indicator of a good stallion isn't what he does, it's what he is producing! Evaluate the stallion's offspring:
- Temperament, conformation, gaits, rideability
- Performance level and results
Certain stallions are only bred to top level approved mares. Verify with the stallion's owners if your mare fits their standards.
- If not, look at younger or lesser know stallions with the same bloodlines.
Get familiar with the breeding contracts:
- Price
- Artificial insemination or live cover? Fresh or frozen semen?
- Live foal guarantee available? Embryo transfers allowed?
- Shipping fees? Number of doses per contract and per shipment?
- Available discounts?
Try to find out about the stallion's fertility: contact the stallion owner, the semen broker or your veterinarian.
- What is the quality of the semen? How many foals have already been produced?