As the cost of buying & training a young horse goes up, more people are considering breeding their own animals. To do so can be an ongoing and daunting challenge but this book guides the novice breeder through every step of the way. Beginning with initial decisions, including whether your mare is suitable breeding stock, the authors address pre- breeding mare care, breeding methods (live cover versus artificial insemination or embryo transplant), stallion selection, and negotiating the breeding contract. Chapters on pregnancy cover broodmare care throughout the gestation period, with an emphasis on recognizing early trouble signs and ways to improve the chances of a healthy mare and foal. The authors offer suggestions on creating a foal-friendly environment, learning the signs that indicate an impending birth, detailing both routine and problem deliveries, and the foal's crucial first twenty-four hours.
