First time breeder - lots of questions!

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HayleyUK

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one of my xmas presents was the promise to put some money towards putting my mare in foal next spring! So excited!

I *think* I've decided on a stallion.. and will be arranging to go and view it as soon as they're in and out of their winter woolies!

However, I've never bred a foal before, or looked at a stallion.

I'm really wanting to use Canal Laura's Lad. http://www.newhillfarmstud.co.uk/CLL.html

& will be putting my 17/18 YO maiden mare (pure Connemara) to him.. with fingers crossed for a lovely foalie!

Would any of you lovely people answer a few probably quite dim questions for me?

Mare has Abbeylix Owen some way back in her family tree. Is this going to be a problem? (I think its 4 gens back)

I'm obviously going to want to see potential baby daddy move, but what other things should I be asking/expect from the stud when I go to view? Will they ride him etc for me as if I was viewing to buy..?
I've read up on him, and his temprement is reportedly very good.

If anyone else can suggest any pure Connie stallions that offer both AI/Natural covering (I want to try natural 1st) that are relatively local to Cheshire that'd be great!

Thanks for any replies, and apologies for the silly questions!
 
Congratulations and hope you have a fun time breeding your mare :).

With regards to the bloodlines, no there shouldn't be any problem as Abbeylix Owen is so many generations back in your mares pedigree.

I've never had prospective stallions shown to me under saddle but that's not to say that your stallion owner won't. Everyone is different. I think there is a "feel" you get when you meet a prospective mate for your mare for the first time. You get to see the stallions demeanor and interact with him and then you can see what he is like as a horse. If you like the horse he is and you think he will compliment your mare both conformationally and temperamentally then I think you're onto a winner. Good luck and hope all goes well for you. He's a sweet looking boy.
 
I think he'll suit my mare really well, just hoping he's got a temprement similar to her!

What kind of questions do you usually ask your stallion owners?

I'll get more of a feel for him by meeting him I know, but want tomake sure I cover all the important things!

If he doesnt turn out to be suitable, they have a bay... but I'm not as keen on him!
 
Well I don't breed for myself so my questions aren't the same as yours will be. I'm also breeding for a specific discipline so again perhaps different requirements. For you, if you are breeding for yourself, then I'd just ask the same sort of questions as if you were looking to buy the horse. You want to see that what you are aiming for with this breeding is close to what you will achieve.

One other good thing you may be able to do is to ask to see his offspring if they have any, or can direct you to owners of his offspring that you could perhaps go and view. I always take a good look at offspring of the stallions I consider. I also want to know what attributes seem to shine through from the stallion and what he isn't so hot on passing on. Good luck :)
 
Hi Haleyuk good luck with breeding your mare. As Spring Feather says once you see the stallion in the flesh and move you should be able to answer most of your questions.
on a faintly related note, my cousin used to stand thunderbolt and he (Thunderbolt that is!) was a lovely old fashioned type of connie.
Good luck and keep us posted on you progress :)
 
How exciting for you!

I am in agreement with trying natural service 1st, as thats what I always try but I would ensure your mare is examined and scanned by a vet 1st so any potential issues such as retained fluid can be dealt with.

I actually stumbled across a stud card last week for a Connemara stallion which is rather close to you. Killaughey Star, Graded S1, 14hh bay roan. http://www.westdownstud.co.uk/stallions-Killaughey.htm
i havent ever seen him in the flesh but thought i would mention him to you as my advice would be to visit a few stallions at different studs so you get a better idea how each stud operates. I think there are many of us breeders who have used studs and then regretted our choices - by looking around a few you will be able to get a feel for the places and what would suit you and your mare.

Good Luck and keep posting as this forum is a wealth of information.

ETA - i believe the stallion is actually in Rufford, Lancashire but i realise parts of their site mention Devon - maybe worth an email/call to ask?
 
Castle Comet is one of the most successful and fantastic connemara stallions evr bred. He took champion of champions at HOYS and has won Olympia twice i think.

Maybe worth having a look at him?
 
HayleyUK said:
I'm really wanting to use Canal Laura's Lad. http://www.newhillfarmstud.co.uk/CLL.html

& will be putting my 17/18 YO maiden mare (pure Connemara) to him.. with fingers crossed for a lovely foalie!

Would any of you lovely people answer a few probably quite dim questions for me?
Click to expand...

NICE choice - for two reasons! One - he's a cracking stallion! And second, Mark (at New Hill Farm) is an incredibly knowledgeable guy - and VERY nice with it! He'll hold your hand and give you straight answers! AND he'll give your mare THE best chance of getting in foal (as an old maiden, she'll need a bit of expert management - and Mark IS an expert!)

Mare has Abbeylix Owen some way back in her family tree. Is this going to be a problem? (I think its 4 gens back)
Click to expand...

If it's 4 generations back, I wouldn't be too worried. It IS line breeding - but line breeding to a TOP class stallion would be pretty safe at that dilution.

I'm obviously going to want to see potential baby daddy move, but what other things should I be asking/expect from the stud when I go to view? Will they ride him etc for me as if I was viewing to buy..?
I've read up on him, and his temprement is reportedly very good.
Click to expand...

Not sure if this chap is regularly ridden (he's far too small for Mark:rolleyes:) but if not, they'll trot him up for you and let you have a good look - and ask all the questions! I would also look at Magic Morris who looks delightful! In fact, I'd take with you a couple of GOOD pictures of your mare (stood up) and ask Mark which stallion he thinks would suit her best - and why. He has an EXCELLENT eye for a good pony/horse - and will know which stallion will complement her best.

You may gather I'm a fan of Mark Fitton. I bought my stallion (RID) from him 8 years ago - he's totally honest about his horses' strengths and weaknesses and EVERYTHING he told me about Raj was 100% accurate! And he is a true horseman. You couldn't put yourself and your mare in better hands!
 
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