Pedigree Query

I've got a problem mare I could use some advice with. I have a nice commercial mare who has started to have some reproductive issues. This is the second year she's been barren. This year, she had some excuses but combined with the year before - it's making me nervous.

I can send her back to Kentucky this year and try again with a commercial stallion, but I'm a little hesitant about the boarding and vet costs that will come along with that. I think there's a good chance we'll wind up at the end of the season with a stack of bills and no bun in the oven.

Or, I could send her to a friend of mine's regional stallion. This option is attractive because she can be bred mulitple times on a heat cycle and there won't be any issues with scheduling the shed. So, I think we'll have a better chance of getting her settled or at least I'll know it's time to give up on her. Plus, all the other expenses will be a fraction of the cost.

If I go the regional route, the foal will not be very commercial. I could sell it at the regional sale and probably do okay, but it won't be one of the highlights of the sale like it would be if she goes back to a good Kentucky stallion. But, I'd be willing to race the foal or just sell it privately. In fact, I've been kind of looking forward to having one of hers to keep.

Would I be doing myself a disservice by going the regional route? Does it make sense to scale back with a mare like this? I've pretty much given up on breeding to race, but I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world with this mare.

What would you do??

In my opinion, a live foal is much more "commercial" than another barren year. I would go with the local horse. Chances are, the way the economy is going, you will have to race the foal yourself anyway.

I'd definitely go to the regional stallion. At this point, the most important thing is to get the mare in foal (or to find out that you can't.) Breeding locally, you'll have so much more control--and thereby up your chances for a better outcome.

Are there any local stallions that might perhaps be a more commercial option than the one you're considering? If so, that might be something I'd think about.

First thing I'd do is get a uterine biopsy and graded to see the % of chance she has, to carry a foal to term. Then I would go to the regional horse (AI her if possible - but I didn't say that). In this market I'd probably rather be a big fish in a small pond, anyway.

Thanks, guys!!

LB wrote:Are there any local stallions that might perhaps be a more commercial option than the one you're considering? If so, that might be something I'd think about.

Not that would "breed her until she's out" method - which is what I find most attractive.

First thing I'd do is get a uterine biopsy and graded to see the % of chance she has, to carry a foal to term.

Good advice and I already did it. She's good. Pretty much went over her with a fine tooth comb - everything is fine. Just no baby.

I had a similar problem with one of my mares and finally tried "SETTLE". She caught the next cover and is still in foal at 100 + days.

The Settle cost $60.00 and has a money back guarantee. The have a web site in case you would like more infomation.. I'm a firm believer is the stuff and will use it on all my mares next year; i.e., a $60 dose of settle is cheap if it only saves you one cover when you take into account the cost of additional boarding at the stallion station.

griff