vet focus
and the Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease of Arabian horses. Through testing and the resultant changes in breeding policy, the number of affected foals born has significantly reduced year on year. Other breeds must face up to the same decisions, which start with accepting the existence of the condition in the first place, and then accepting the testing procedure. If not, the low incidence of crippling conditions such as the Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome and the Hoof Wall Separation Disease of Connemara ponies will increase in the respective populations. As stallions have a much greater individual influence on the breed, the changes must start there. On the continent, there is a well developed grading system aimed at improving the quality of warmbloods and helping to make each generation stronger than the last. In this country, although some breeds do have their own grading criteria, much of it is left up to the individual mare owners. Where it exists, grading is aimed at preventing the mare with a twisted front foot for example, from handing that defect on to the next generation. It does not always appear in the foal, as breeding is not that precise, but it will potentially be present in many of the offspring. It is hard to be critical when assessing our own animals, but many of the traditional breeds are now deservedly thriving through a process of individual assessment at home and in the show ring. Having dealt with all of these questions and you are still
An Equine Artificial Insemination Kit laid out ready for use
convinced that breeding is the right future for your mare, the exciting part begins. Depending on your mare’s breed, the choice of stallions can seem to be limitless. With the availability of artificial insemination, stallions from all over the world are available to you, at a price. Breed champions, Olympic Champions, top race winners are all available. The choice of stallion will have a big impact on the future of the foal you are trying to breed, whether it is for your own use or as an investment to sell. It is very important to make the right plan for the year to come, highlighting critical times where you must concentrate your resources for the best outcome.
This happy, well adjusted yearling has a bright future ahead
www.theequinesite.co.uk
The end result of all the planning and preparation; your new foal is born!
Equine Page 43
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