5 Things Every Breeder Should Know

By Kaycie Timm

1. Conduct a breeding soundness exam. Conducting a formal breeding soundness evaluation on your mare and/or stallion could help prevent potential issues. This analysis generally includes a basic physical examination, behavioral observation and collection of important data related to the horse’s breeding ability. This process is especially necessary for stallions that are new to the breeding shed, but is simple and helpful enough for even experienced stallions to ensure they're ready to successfully produce another crop of foals.

2. File a test report. Before you breed, ensure your stallion has a DNA type and genetic panel test on file with AQHA. The five-panel test, which will be valid for the horse’s lifetime, determines whether a stallion is a carrier of five common genetic abnormalities. Mare owners can – and should – also test before breeding. Order a test:

1. Online through AQHA Services.
2. By calling the AQHA Member Experience professionals at 806-376-4811, option 1, extension 3.
3. Using the inquiries form at www.aqha.com/genetic-testing-questions-form.

Breeders who request one will receive a kit that can be mailed directly to the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California-Davis.

3. Sign an embryo permit. One recent update to the AQHA Rulebook (REG112) provides an avenue for stallion owners to sign embryo and oocyte permit applications without releasing a breeder’s certificate. This tool will protect breeders by making the wording of rules regarding oocyte and embryo permits as transparent and clear as possible. Separate permits will now be available for embryos and oocytes to avoid confusion for registration of foals produced through one of these methods.

4. Get your Thoroughbred registration in order. Starting with the 2018 foal crop, The Jockey Club will began issuing electronic registrations for Thoroughbreds and quit using printed certificates. In response, AQHA approved revisions to two rules (REG102.3 and REG110.5) to allow breeders to provide an alternative proof of registration with The Jockey Club for sires and dams born after 2018. Learn more about breeding a Thoroughbred to a Quarter Horse.

5. List all your mares. Stallion breeding reports tell AQHA which mares your stallion has bred during that breeding season. When you fill out this form, be sure to list all mares whose foals will be eligible for registration with AQHA, including AQHA mares, AQHA Appendix mares and Thoroughbred mares. Follow these step-by-step instructions to file a stallion breeding report online.

Breeders who would prefer to submit a hard copy can print a form from www.aqha.com/forms-and-resources. The form must be received in the AQHA offices by midnight November 30 or the breeder will be charged a $30 late fee per mare. The address is P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, TX 79168.