January usually brings an influx of articles
and advertisements for the breeding season, trying to entice mare owners
and future buyers to look at their stock. Evaluating this onslaught
of information from handsome stallions to frolicking foals, can be intimidating,
but it is essential to realistically judge the strengths and weaknesses
of each individual. As horse owners, and particularly as breeders our
responsibility is to maintain the quality of each breed by selecting
for those traits that bring the horse closest to the breed "ideal."
Mare owners first and foremost need to objectively appraise their horse.
This includes assessing her physical characteristics, temperament and
any singular talents. First, her physical attributes must be as close
to correct as possible for her breed and discipline. Start at the ears
and move through to toes and tail. Note every aspect that does not meet
the highest standards; they need to be weighed against the good traits,
which faults are acceptable and which eliminate her from the breeding
barn. This in no way diminishes the mare's quality as an individual,
it simply means her breeding potential is not of the highest caliber.
Next evaluate her disposition; in this area there is no room for anything
but the finest. The mare should be exemplary in her temperament and
attitude. The dam contributes a majority of the inherited traits for
disposition and is also the source of most early learned behavior. Therefore,
it is critical to the foal's development and future handling that he
have the very best genes and teacher in a quiet, well-mannered, good-natured
mother. Finally, explore the mare's talents and athletic potential.
There are many differences between all breeds and within each breed
in body type and ability. Knowing where a certain mare fits will help
the breeder select a stallion that will complement her, or help to predispose
the foal toward a chosen activity. If the mare is truly outstanding
the stud should be carefully chosen so he emphasizes the qualities that
contribute to her talent and not dilute them.
If the mare has met these criteria and the breeder has the knowledge
and finances, the next step is to select a stallion. With a physical
evaluation you can determine his good and bad qualities, just as was
done with the mare. Hopefully, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives.
Balance the mare's weaknesses with the stallions strengths. For example,
if the mare has longer than ideal pasterns compensate with a stud whose
attributes include short strong pasterns. Or if she has a superior,
long and elegant neck, some may forgive a short thick one on the stud
if he shows other characteristics that are important to the mare owner.
Once the choices have narrowed through appraisal of the individual,
gather information on his siblings and progeny. His siblings will indicate
whether he is the norm for his bloodlines or an exception. They will
also show if the family excels in a particular or range of activities.
Viewing the offspring will help determine if his qualities are passed
on (remember that the assorted mares will contribute 50% of the genes).
If certain attributes or weaknesses show up repeatedly in foals out
of different mares there is a good indication that the stud is providing
those genes. Judge how they will combine with your mare. At least assemble
pictures and videos of as many family members as possible if it is impossible
to view them personally.
Stallion owners presumably have already gone through the critical, objective
judging of their animal since he is still intact. But their responsibility
does not end there. It is necessary that they exercise the same care
when selecting which mares to book as the mare owners used to choose
the stallion. Each foal on the ground is a walking advertisement for
the stud - good and bad. Therefore, choosing only the highest quality
mares will help tip the balance toward a superior foal. If the mare
does not meet the set-forward criteria do not hesitate to eliminate
her from the book. The stallion owner has the final say on what is acceptable
and should take that responsibility very seriously.
Deciding to become a breeder, small or large, as mare owner, stallion
owner or both should be exciting, educational and enjoyable. But it
is also a huge undertaking. By keeping eyes open, and reviewing all
information intelligently and objectively, producing quality foals is
quite possible. Most of all the standards of the breed will be maintained,
without being corrupted by momentary trends and injudicious pairings.
