Reproduction, from Nature’s viewpoint, is a pretty straightforward procedure that begins with breeding and ends with parturition. From the horse owner’s viewpoint, it isn’t all that simple or easy. Many things can happen between those two points that result in a failed pregnancy. In fact, there are a number of circumstances and conditions, involving mare or stallion (or both), that occur prior to breeding that can have a pronounced impact on whether the mare ever becomes pregnant. An extremely valuable tool for the breeder of horses is a breeding soundness examination conducted by a veterinarian on both mare and stallion. A thorough examination, which begins with assessing the animal’s reproductive history and ends with a thorough physical, can help assess that animal’s reproductive capability.

Although they are of equal importance, we will begin with the breeding soundness examination of the mare. After all, there are more mare owners in the horse world than stallion owners.

The Mare

Why, one might ask, is it so important to have a mare undergo a breeding soundness examination? Why not just breed her and hope for the best?

One very strong reason for a breeding soundness examination involves economics. In some parts of the country—Kentucky, for example—it can cost $4,000 to $5,000 per year to maintain a broodmare. If that broodmare yields zero return in a given year, that is $4,000 to $5,000 down the proverbial drain