Page 923 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Stallion selection

The choice of stallion should be made after consideration of the following factors.
VetBooks.ir • Conformation.

•
Soundness and freedom from hereditary conditions.
• Performance records – achievements during his working career.

• Temperament – ideally calm and kind.

• Size.

• Fertility record.

• Cost and terms of the stud fee.
• Distance.

• Availability of artificial insemination (and success thereof).

It is worth travelling to view the selected stallion. If at all possible, ask to see some of his

offspring.

Veterinary care of the brood mare

The vet is usually consulted at several stages of the breeding programme, e.g:
• gynaecological examination prior to covering

• pregnancy diagnosis

• pre-foaling vaccination
• post-foaling checks.

Pre-breeding checks

The purpose of the examination is to check for any problems that could affect the mare’s
ability to conceive or carry the foal to full term. Ideally the checks should be made early in
the season so any problems can be detected and treated.

HISTORY

The vet will want to know her:
• name and age

• breed

• previous breeding history