Q. I have a problem keeping track of all my records on my horses is there any thing to help me?

There are several programs on the market for managing horse ranches, but my wife and I have a computer consulting firm called Results Consulting. We have customized software package(s) for running a breeding farm, as well as, tracking your own horses health records and expenses.

Q. How much should I expect to spend for a good horse?

That depends on two things; 1) what you are planning to use the horse for, and 2) who is going to be riding it. I tell my clients, "If the horse is for your child, don't settle for cheap, your child's life cannot be replaced." A well trained gentle horse for a child, can always be found from people who's children have out grown their own horses. Take your time, try out the horse and remember; just because YOU can ride it, does not mean your child can. At an average, most "kid" horses can be purchased starting around $1000 and up. The horses' show record and age play a big part in pricing. Don't be turned off by a 15 or 20 year old horse, they are usually settled and will take good care of your child. Horses for adults should be purchased in the same manner; matching the ability of the rider to the training of the horse.

Q. How long will my horse be in training?

Depending on what is going to be done with the horse, and the horses ability to be trained, training can take from 60 days to several years. A horse that is going to be shown on the horse show circuit can take from 3 to 12 months for pleasure training alone. I have started young riding horses and in 90 days shown and placed them in Western Pleasure. Others, after 6 months, still were not ready for the show ring.
Performance events like Reining, Barrels, Poles, Western Riding, etc., can take several years even on a horse that was ready for Western Pleasure after 90 days. "Show" performance also depends on the ability of the rider. Each rider "MUST" have the ability to learn and execute the commands and cues which have been taught to the horse. Everyone should ride the horse they have in training so the trainer can direct them on proper execution.

Q. How often should I practice if I am planing on competing on my horse?

Practice time depends on you; how bad do you want to win? Remember, "Practice Makes Perfect". Practice time is not just for you nor is it just for your horse. It is for the two of you to "bond" and get to know how to work together as a team.

Q. What do I need to do if I want to breed my mare to a Stallion that is not near me?

There are several simple steps to the process. First, select a stallion and find out if shipped semen is available. Second, find out what days the stallion owner collects and ships semen. Timing is the most critical factor in artificial insemination breeding. There is about a 24 hour time-line to introduce semen into the mare, once the mare's follicle has dropped. Third, have a veterinarian or experienced artificial insemination specialist available to open, inspect and insert the semen. Fourth, if the mare has been cycling regularly and you have been checking her on a day-to-day basis, you will be able to order the semen in a timely fashion. Most stallion stations collect only two to three days a week so you can't just call and say I need it - again timing is everything!
Find the "Q." on "What is REGUMATE" for information on controlling the mares breeding cycle.

Q. What are the extra expenses I should expect when I take a mare to a Breeding Facility?

All Breeding Facilities have standard costs. Mare care, which can vary from $5 to $25 per day depending on location in the country, condition of the mare, has she got a colt by her side (wet), does she require stalling, pasture only, feed and pasture, etc. If you are leaving the mare until she is checked safe in foal; this could be up to 3 months. There are also vet bills which could range from simple rectal exams to cultures. Needless to say, if you acquire $200 dollars in vet bills and leave a mare 30 days at $5 a day, your pickup bill could be $350 dollars. Always ask the Breeding Facility about what vet charges are standard and verify the cost of mare care before leaving your mare.

Q. What vaccinations should I make sure my mare has before taking her to a Breeding Facility?

Most Breeding Facilities require that all shots are current (flu, strep, rhino, rabies) and the horse has a valid coggins.

Q. What is REGUMATE?

Regumate is a hormone used to regulate or keep a mare from coming into "heat". It is used most commonly with "show" mares who get real "cranky" during their heat cycles to keep them out of heat during the show season. Breeding facilities use REGUMATE to regulate the heat cycle in conjunction with two other drugs to insure the mare is ready to breed on a specific day. It is especially good to use if you are planning to have semen shipped.

Q. What are the procedures I should follow if I am planing to use REGUMATE?

There are two things to consider, 1) has your mare been cycling regularly, and 2) is she building follicles during these cycles? If she has been cycling, then a 14 day REGUMATE program is recommended. REGUMATE is given orally in the mouth once a day in a 10cc dosage. On the fourteenth day, a 10cc shot of Lutalyse is given to bring the mare into heat. 5 days later, a shot of Gonadotropan is given to make the mare's follicle drop. Insemination should take place from 6 to 18 hours after the Gonadotropan shot.
If the mare is not cycling regularly,or has not been observed going through heat, then the above program with REGUMATE can be administered for 19 days to "kick start" her cycle.
Either one of these programs are ideal when semen is being shipped because you can determine when to order the shipped semen from the breeder. For more information, check with your veterinarian.