The 2011 Stud Season Is Underway
WORDS: Pat Crawford for Hadlow College.
The hormones produced by stallions - particularly testosterone – result in their having a more muscular physique with a more developed crest than mares. These physical features are often combined with notable stamina and strength. Although generally vastly outnumbered by geldings and mares, stallions take part in virtually every equestrian discipline and sport.
For years, breeding was generally very indiscriminate in this country. Sometimes a mare was put into foal simply because she had failed in competition – or because she had broken down (often directly related to faulty conformation!) or because she had a tricky temperament! Stallions were often used for no other reason than being geographically convenient! Meanwhile the Continental breeders were building up carefully calculated and impressive bloodlines! It was hardly surprising that stock from the Continent – especially Germany and Holland - sold at far, far bigger prices than those obtained by UK breeders.
Today indiscriminate breeding has virtually disappeared. Economics have played a part in this change and mare owners are much more aware and sensible! Also - today’s youngstock buyers are more knowledgeable about the important part played by genetics and thus take far greater interest in the breeding line of the animal they are considering buying – so much so it has become increasingly difficult to sell an offspring that has inherited a mare’s obvious deficiencies!
Fees for stallions at stud vary enormously with those involved in the racing industry topping the charts. Flat racing is the sport that immediately springs to mind - and when a horse that has been successful on the track goes to stud, he may attract millions in fees.
The stud fees for sports horses never reach anything like those achieved in the bloodstock industry – nevertheless, a stallion from a bloodline proven in international competition doesn’t come cheap. The point of breeding must always be to produce an animal that has the potential to fulfil a job – whether that be as an all-rounder for riding club activities or a more specialised athlete bred for a particular discipline. Soundness and temperament are obviously significant considerations. Breeding isn’t something that should be gone into on a whim and anyone considering breeding from their mare for the first time is advised to consider the commitment, time and money involved – they can be very considerable!
Selecting the right stallion for a particular mare demands expertise – and going to see a number of studs and view several stallions can take up a lot of time! The inexperienced owner is advised to seek help – either from a professional or from a friend who is a successful breeder. And it’s also a good idea to have the backup of a knowledgeable friend throughout the mare’s pregnancy. By the same token, some owners elect to book their mare into the stud to foal – in which case the stud owner often suggests the mare arrives well before her due date so that she can get used to the environment.
Hadlow College stands a stallion – Wolfgang Bravo - and runs a small breeding programme designed to produce useful all-round horses. The stock produced is backed and then either schooled on for competition by staff and students - or sold on to outside clients. One of the most important aspects of the programme relates to the opportunity for students to gain experience in handling a stallion and dealing with in-foal mares and youngstock. Walking around the yards and being introduced to some of the 65 occupants, visitors are surprised to be told that Bravo is entire! The reason that he is well mannered and sensible relates in part to his temperament - and to the fact that he is handled in a professional way.
HADLOW COLLEGE, graded ‘Outstanding’,
offers a wide range of equine courses including Degree, FE and BHS.
Telephone 0500 551434 for information and advice.
