6 Signs You Are Ready To Breed Your Mare

Have you been debating over whether you’re ready to breed your mare? Breeding a horse is a big decision, but these six signs may indicate that you’re ready for the adventure.

You Have Plenty of Savings

Before you breed your mare, you need to have substantial savings. Breeding is expensive, and unfortunately, veterinary issues can occur with the mare, foal, or both. The cost of veterinary care can quickly add up, and you may run through your savings at a surprising rate. Being well-prepared financially is the first sign that you are taking the possibility of breeding your mare seriously.

You Have a Plan for the Foal

To be a responsible breeder, you need to have a reasonable plan for the foal. Your plan may be to sell the foal, but what happens if that plan falls through and you can’t find a buyer? What if the foal turns out not as you expect and he can’t have the career that you’re planning for him? Are you ready to give the foal a home with you?

You Have People to Help You

When breeding a mare for the first time, it’s important to have a team of people who can help you. You’ll need a knowledgeable veterinarian, and you should also have a friend, trainer, or other horseperson who is experienced in breeding and who can help you along during the process.

You’ve Done Your Research

You’ll need to do your research before deciding to breed your mare. Not only will you need to have a thorough understanding of what is involved in breeding and foaling, but you’ll also need to know about how to choose an appropriate stallion for your mare.

You Have a Foal-Safe Facility

You will need a facility where your mare can safely foal and where she and the foal can live. Foals require special facilities – they need safe pastures and can get themselves trapped in small spaces that other horses cannot. You will either need to design a foal-safe facility, or will need to be prepared to send your mare away for foaling and for the initial care of the foal.

You Know You May Lose Money

Actually, make that “may” into “will probably.” The chances of making money breeding a foal, especially as a first-time breeder, are slim to none, especially when you factor in the expenses of veterinary care and raising and training the foal.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to go ahead with breeding your mare, or do you need some more time to prepare?