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Choosing a Stallion
Once you've carefully considered all the potential drawbacks to
breeding a foal, and decided to go ahead, the next decision is which
stallion to use. The choice of a stallion will play a large part
in determining just how sound and saleable your foal is - so it should
never depend just on price or convenience to home.
If
your mare is a purebred (and a very good example of the breed) then
you will probably decide to breed a purebred foal. In many ways,
this makes the choice of stallion far easier. You should seek
the best stallion you can possibly afford - looking for soundness
first. A well-known stallion whose progeny are doing well in the
show ring may add value to your foal - but you should also seek a
stallion who is particularly good in areas where your mare is lacking.
If
your mare is not an exceptionally good (or fashionable) example of her
breed, (or is a cross-bred) you may consider cross-breeding to a good
stallion whose strengths will complement her weaknesses. This
will make the choice of stallion far more difficult and you would be
well advised to shop around carefully and get as much advice as
possible from knowledgeable breeders. A highly-strung and
nervous part Thoroughbred mare might produce a far more saleable foal
if bred to a good Irish Draught or Warmblood stallion.
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