Horses: To Breed or Not to Breed?

When people consult with me regarding a mare they want to breed, I must be honest with them on all levels,” says Castegren. “We always need to remind ourselves that not every mare should be bred.” 

She believes mare owners should have a particular breeding purpose in mind, realistically assess their mare’s positive and negative attributes, and be prepared to learn about genetics. Mare owners also need sufficient financial resources and a realistic attitude towards possible outcomes.  

Here are six main considerations. 

1. Breeding Goals 

“The first question I ask a mare owner who comes to me looking for a stallion is, ‘What’s your breeding goal?’” says Castegren.  

Producing top horses begins with determining the rationale and purpose for breeding a mare. Hyperion Stud, LLC has developed their Virginia, USA-based breeding and training operation into a worldwide endeavour by staying true to this principle. They have 21 stallions on their roster, myriad elite mares, plus own world class show jumping, dressage, and three-day eventing sport horses. 

“Your breeding goal should be clear,” says Castegren, explaining that mare owners should always plan to produce foals that outclass their mothers. 

2. Quality Matters 

A foal’s quality depends on both parents. If the mare isn’t top-tier, don’t expect a miracle from the stallion alone. 

“Start with a proven pedigree for the production of good sport horses,” says Castegren. “The mare needs to have good conformation and the right attitude.” 

Assessing and acknowledging your mare’s strengths and weaknesses are imperative to having realistic breeding goals and selecting the right stallion.  

“I don’t want to tell people that they shouldn’t breed their mare,” says Castegren.