Reproduction

EQUINE REPRODUCTION

Successful equine reproduction demands more than just bringing horses together. It requires precise timing, expert knowledge, and dedicated care throughout every stage of the process. At South Valley Equine, our reproductive specialists combine advanced technology with decades of experience to help you navigate the complexities of breeding. Whether you’re managing routine cycles or planning embryo transfers, we tailor every step to your goals.

In response to the growing demand for unparalleled services in the equine reproduction industry, South Valley Reproduction Center is now providing regular breeding services at two locations—our main location in Saratoga Springs and our satellite location at Heritage Ranch in Farr West. At both locations, we offer our clients access to a full-service equine facility that provides quality service and technological advances in reproduction.

Our team offers basic reproduction management services such as palpations to prepare for semen orders and artificial insemination, as well as advanced diagnostic procedures to aid in sorting through more challenging mares. We are proud to offer advanced reproductive techniques such as embryo transfers and oocyte collections for the ICSI process. The team at SVE is looking forward to this upcoming breeding season, and welcome you to contact us to discuss your needs.

Saratoga Springs: 801-254-2333
Heritage Ranch: 801-621-4464
Email: repro@svlac.com

two mares of Icelandic horses are watching over the cute sleeping foals of the herd in the wide grassland

Understanding Equine Reproduction

Equine reproduction involves complex biological processes that require careful management and expert oversight. From the mare’s estrous cycle to stallion fertility, successful breeding depends on precise timing, thorough health assessments, and appropriate medical interventions when necessary. Modern reproductive technologies have significantly improved conception rates and pregnancy outcomes, allowing horse owners to optimize breeding success while protecting their horses’ health and performance.

Our Reproductive Services

Our reproductive services provide comprehensive care for breeding mares and stallions, utilizing modern techniques and an experienced team to maximize breeding success and manage reproductive health. We offer a range of services from basic breeding management to advanced reproductive technologies.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer technology allows valuable mares to produce multiple foals in a season or continue their performance careers while still contributing to breeding programs. The process involves inseminating the donor mare and flushing the resulting embryo from her uterus about seven days post-ovulation. We then non-surgically transfer the embryo into a synchronized recipient mare who carries the pregnancy to term.

Recipient Mares

As part of our comprehensive embryo transfer services, we offer clients the option to lease mares from our carefully selected and managed recipient herd. These mares are prepared specifically to receive embryos, helping to optimize the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our recipient mares undergo thorough health screenings and are maintained on specialized nutrition and management programs.

Pregnancy Monitoring

Our advanced ultrasound technology allows us to monitor fetal viability throughout gestation, identify twins early for appropriate management, and assess placental health in later stages. Regular monitoring helps detect potential complications before they become serious problems. We also provide specialized monitoring and care for mares with a history of reproductive problems or those that develop complications during pregnancy.

Stallion Services

Our comprehensive stallion reproductive services begin with thorough breeding soundness examinations. We prepare semen for same-day use or cooled shipping, using extenders to preserve viability. Additionally, we offer semen cryopreservation services, freezing semen in straws for long-term storage or international distribution, following strict quality control protocols.

Foal Management

We provide clean, spacious, dedicated foaling stalls designed for safety and comfort, often utilizing video surveillance systems for constant observation without unnecessary disturbance. Following delivery, we provide immediate care, including ensuring adequate breathing, umbilical cord treatment to prevent infection, monitoring body temperature, and assessing the vital suckle reflex to ensure timely intake of colostrum.

Our Equine Reproduction Process

Getting to Know Your Equine Reproduction Goals

During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your breeding goals and evaluate your mare or stallion’s reproductive history. Our team performs a comprehensive physical examination and reviews any previous breeding records. We’ll explain available reproductive options and develop a customized plan that aligns with your objectives and timeline.

Building Your Horse Breeding Blueprint

Based on the initial evaluation, we create a tailored reproductive management plan for your horse. This plan outlines specific procedures, timing recommendations, and any necessary treatments to optimize breeding success. We consider factors like your mare’s cycle patterns, stallion availability, and your preferred breeding methods. Our team provides cost estimates and timelines so you’re ready for breeding season.

Bringing Your Treatment Plan to Life

Our experienced team implements your reproductive plan with precision and care. We perform regular ultrasound monitoring to track follicular development and determine optimal breeding times. Whether using artificial insemination, natural breeding, or embryo transfer, we ensure all procedures follow the highest standards of veterinary medicine. Throughout implementation, we maintain open communication about your horse’s progress and any necessary adjustments to the plan.

Post-Breeding Care Guidelines

Following breeding or pregnancy confirmation, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to support a healthy pregnancy. We’ll guide you on feeding, fitness, and vaccination schedules for your pregnant mare. We educate you on signs to monitor and when to contact our team. Regular check-ups ensure your mare maintains optimal health throughout gestation.

Continuing the Journey Together

Our commitment extends beyond the initial breeding process through scheduled follow-up appointments. We monitor pregnancy progression, assess fetal development, and address any concerns that arise. As your mare approaches her due date, we increase monitoring frequency and prepare for foaling. Our 24/7 availability ensures you have expert support whenever questions or emergencies occur.

Why Choose Us for Reproduction

When you need reproductive services, you want veterinarians who treat high-stakes breeding decisions with the expertise they deserve. Dr. Charlie Heaton and our team at South Valley Equine have transformed our clinic into the go-to surgical and referral center for equine reproduction in the surrounding area. We’ve invested in advanced ultrasound technology, specialized laboratory equipment, and continuous education because we believe your horses deserve nothing less than excellence. What truly sets us apart is how we balance this technical expertise with practical, down-to-earth communication. We’ll explain your mare’s cycle in terms that make sense, discuss realistic timelines for your breeding goals, and provide honest assessments about your stallion’s fertility.

Grow Your Equine Family With Expert Reproductive Services at South Valley Equine

Planning to breed your mare this season? Don’t wait, early preparation is key to a successful foal. Prime breeding months fill up quickly, and early planning ensures the best outcomes for your foals. South Valley Equine makes scheduling easy: find us on Google Maps for directions to our facility, check our stellar reviews on Yelp to see what other breeders say about our reproduction services, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for educational content and success stories from our breeding program. Call 801-254-2333 today to schedule your initial reproductive consultation and discover why horse owners throughout the region trust us with their most valuable breeding stock.

FAQs

How long is a horse pregnant?

The average gestation period for horses is approximately 340 days, or about 11 months. However, normal pregnancies can range from 320 to 365 days. Factors such as the mare’s age, breed, time of year, and individual variation can influence gestation length. Maiden mares often carry their first foals slightly longer than experienced broodmares. Our veterinarian can give you a more accurate expected delivery date and will tell you what to expect throughout your horse’s pregnancy.

How to breed horses?

Successful horse breeding begins with thorough reproductive evaluations of both the mare and stallion to ensure they’re healthy and fertile. Breeding can occur through natural cover, where the stallion physically mounts the mare, or through artificial insemination using fresh, cooled, or frozen semen. The choice depends on stallion availability, mare health, and your specific goals. Following breeding, pregnancy checks via ultrasound confirm conception around 14-16 days post-ovulation. Throughout this process, working with experienced reproductive veterinarians ensures proper timing, technique, and follow-up care for the best chances of success.

How long does it take baby foals to stand up?

Healthy foals typically attempt to stand within 30 to 60 minutes after birth, though some may take up to two hours. This quick development is crucial for their survival instincts. Once standing, foals usually begin nursing within two to three hours of birth, which is essential for receiving colostrum containing vital antibodies. If a foal hasn’t stood within two hours or nursed within three hours, veterinary intervention may be necessary.

How often do mares go into heat?

Mares are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they have multiple estrous cycles during the breeding season, which typically runs from early spring through early fall. During this time, mares come into heat approximately every 21 days, with each heat period lasting 5 to 7 days on average. The cycle consists of about 14-15 days of diestrus (not in heat) followed by estrus (heat). Winter months usually bring anestrus, where mares don’t cycle at all, though this can be managed with artificial lighting programs.