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Breeding horses can be complicated and sometimes challenging. As well as requiring expert veterinary support, breeding from your mare will involve a substantial investment of time, effort and money. Before choosing to breed your mare, you should carefully consider the costs associated with breeding a horse. This guide outlines the various costs involved in breeding a horse.
Before choosing to breed from your mare, you should consider whether it is the right thing to do. Your mare’s conformation, temperament, general health, and genetics will all need to be considered before you decide to breed from her. In some cases, breeding from our mare is not recommended. For example, if your mare carries a genetic disease such as Hoof Wall Separation Disease, which affects Connemara ponies, it could result in a foal with the disease. This is not only a welfare issue, but it could exclude the foal from being registered with the relevant breed society. Read our blog, Should I Breed My Mare?, for more information, and speak to your equine vet to discuss putting your mare in foal. They will be able to advise you based on your specific mare.
Even if your mare is a suitable candidate for breeding, you will need to carefully consider the costs of breeding a horse. Whilst some costs can be determined in advance, you will also need to allow for unforeseen expenses.
Your choice of stallion will affect the quality and characteristics of the foal, and the stud fee will vary based on the stallion. You will also need to decide whether to opt for a natural covering or artificial insemination (AI). The risks and reliability of each method varies, as does the cost. Furthermore, it may cost you more to breed from a maiden or older mare and you may need to pay for several cycles before the mare conceives.
You will need to work with an experienced equine vet who is knowledgeable about equine reproduction and stud work. Not only will they carry out the required procedures and examinations, but they will also be able to offer useful advice and guidance on caring for your mare and the foal.
Your vet will examine your mare before you breed from her to check that she is in good reproductive and general health. They will also check on your mare and the foal throughout the pregnancy and provide routine care such as vaccinations. They will also need to check on the mare and foal after the birth to ensure that both are healthy.
As well as the usual check-ups and routine procedures, you should be prepared for unforeseen or emergency costs. Infertility investigations, caesarean section and other emergency treatment may be required. Whilst most foals are born healthy, some require specialist veterinary intervention. For example, we have a case study of a foal born with a flexural limb deformity (otherwise known as "contracted tendons"), which required early intervention for a quick and positive resolution. This particular foal was born unexpectedly; the mare had foaled in the field overnight, having shown no signs that she was about to foal. It is situations like this that owners must be prepared for.
It is a good idea to check with your insurance company before having your mare put in foal, so you know what situations you are covered for.
If your mare is going to stud, you will need to factor in the associated fees. Your mare may stay at the stud throughout the pregnancy, or she may only stay there to foal or to be covered.
Transport is another important consideration. You may need to transport your mare to and from the vet and/or stud, along with the foal once it is born. This will depend on your facilities and the service provided by your vet. It is important to factor in the potential unforeseen cost and need of transport in an emergency.
In addition to the veterinary and stud fees, your mare will require good routine care. This will include visits from your farrier and regular equine dentistry, as well as any specialist feed or supplements.
Once your foal is born, you will need to see to its routine care and expenses. Ideally all foals should have a veterinary check at approximately 12 hours old to ensure that it is healthy. Your foal will require a passport, microchip, vaccination, and registration with any relevant breed societies / organisations. Castration is another cost you may need to factor in, should you have a colt foal. You will also need to factor in the costs of feeding and keeping the foal day-to-day.
As your foal grows, they will require visits from the farrier and in time routine dentistry. Eventually, you will need to think about backing and training your horse should you keep it after it is weaned.
Finally, not all costs associated with breeding a horse are financial. You should also factor in the amount of time needed to care for your mare and foal and consider whether you have the required skills and experience. It is important to seek help and advice from your vet and let them know if you have any questions or concerns.
If you decide to foal down your mare at home you will need to consider how to provide round the clock care. Mares can foal several weeks either side of their due date, so foal watch can go on for several weeks.
We are a British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) approved clinic for equine AI. Our clinic offers artificial insemination using chilled or frozen semen, as well as veterinary care for mare and foal before, during and after foaling. Our full surgical facilities and 24/7 emergency cover allow us to cater for difficult foalings, caesarean sections and intensive care when required. If you have any questions about putting your mare in foal, please call us on 01295 670 501 and speak to our stud vets.
