Whether you are a seasoned breeder or are breeding your mare for the first time, we can help!  To start the process, we offer a breeding soundness exam which consists of a full physical exam with special attention to the external reproductive organs, palpation and ultrasound of the reproductive tract, and uterine culture and cytology, if needed. This is best done at the beginning of the breeding season while your mare is showing signs of heat.

 

If you are interested in having your mare bred by Artificial Insemination, we offer a breeding package in which the mare can stay at our clinic and includes daily palpation and ultrasound of the reproductive tract, insemination with shipped semen at the appropriate time, and the first pregnancy exam. If you prefer to do live cover, we will perform palpation and ultrasound of the reproductive tract to aid in timing the breeding and to check for pregnancy. We recommend three pregnancy exams: the first at 14-18 days after breeding to give time to re-breed if she is not in foal, the second at 28-30 days after breeding to check for a fetal heartbeat, and the third at 60 days after breeding to ensure proper development of the fetus.

 

Once your mare is in foal, we will help you care for her throughout her pregnancy by providing a customized healthcare schedule. The most important veterinary healthcare aspect during pregnancy is vaccinating against EHV-1 at 3, 5, 7, and 9 months and boostering all vaccines at 10 months.

 

When it comes time to foal, we are able to provide assistance should you need it. We also recommend a Mare and Foal Exam at approximately 8 to 12 hours post-foaling. During the exam, we will perform physical exams on both the mare and foal in addition to checking the placenta and running a Foal IgG to make sure the baby received enough antibodies from the mare’s colostrum. Following foaling, we can provide you with a customized healthcare schedule for your new addition to make sure they start out life on the right foot!