A need to breed?

She may be a proven champion or simply the apple of your eye, but what makes your mare suitable to breed from? Andrea Oakes investigates

- Andrea Oakes investigates

AS exciting as it may be to scroll through stallion listings searching for your mare’s perfect partner, some serious deliberation is called for before creating the next generation – as Holly Bishop of Parkfield Breeding in Wiltshire explains.

“It’s easy to make an emotional decision,” says Holly, whose family breeds competition horses for the eventing market. “You might be contemplating breeding from a mare who has been prematurely retired, hoping to continue a legacy, or you cherish your beloved pet and are intrigued by the idea of breeding.

“Whatever the reason, you need to critically assess whether she possesses the physical and genetic qualities conducive to producing a quality foal.

“Owning a mare with an exceptional competitive record might seem like an automatic green light for breeding, but her performance history does not always translate to being an excellent broodmare prospect,” Holly adds. “Our first foal, Parkfield Quintessential, was a success story bred from our proven showjumping mare, but subsequent experiences have taught us that breeding is far from a set science.”

While the Bishops struck gold with “Quinty” – a Quicksilber son who evented internationally with Laura Collett and Holly Woodhead – it’s important to consider the whole package when it comes to weighing up your mare.