Care & Management for success

Proper stallion management is essential for successful collections, consistent semen quality, and the safety of horses and handlers alike.

Whether your stallion stays with us short-term for collection or longer for breeding services, we follow careful handling and care practices before, during, and after each session.

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Before Collection or Breeding

Prior to arrival, stallions must meet basic health and veterinary requirements, including current vaccinations and a negative Coggins. We also recommend that stallions arrive in good physical condition, on a consistent feeding program, and accustomed to basic handling.

Once on site, stallions are given time to settle into their surroundings. Reducing stress is important for both behavior and semen quality, so we prioritize calm routines, proper turnout or hand-walking when appropriate, and clear, consistent handling.

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During Collection or Breeding

All collections and breeding sessions are conducted with safety and respect for the stallion. Stallions are handled by experienced personnel using established protocols to ensure:

• A controlled, low-stress environment

• Proper footing and secure facilities

• Clear communication between handlers

• Attention to the stallion’s comfort and behavior

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After Collection or Breeding

Following collection or breeding, stallions are monitored for any signs of discomfort, stress, or fatigue. They are returned to a calm environment with access to water and appropriate care.

If a stallion is staying on site, we maintain consistent routines for feeding, stall cleaning, exercise, and general well-being. 

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Owner Communication & Expectations

We believe good outcomes start with good communication. Stallion owners are encouraged to discuss their stallion’s routine, behavior, and any special needs prior to arrival. This allows us to provide care that is both safe and tailored to each individual horse.

Owners are also responsible for:

• Providing accurate health records

• Disclosing any known behavioral concerns

• Ensuring their stallion is properly trained for handling and collection

Mares in our care are managed with close attention to comfort, routine, and reproductive health. Whether a mare is here for breeding, embryo transfer, or short-term reproductive services, our goal is to support her well-being while setting her up for the best possible reproductive success.

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Before Arrival

Mares must arrive with current vaccinations and a negative Coggins. We recommend that mares be in good body condition and on a consistent feeding program prior to arrival. Any known reproductive history, behavioral considerations, or medical needs should be shared in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Once on site, mares are allowed time to settle in. Maintaining a calm environment and consistent routine helps reduce stress, which plays an important role in reproductive health.

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During Breeding or Reproductive Services

Mares are handled quietly and thoughtfully throughout breeding, ultrasound exams, or embryo transfer procedures. We focus on:

• Low-stress handling and clear routines

• Safe, secure facilities

• Careful monitoring of cycles and behavior

• Working at the mare’s comfort level

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After Breeding or Transfer

Following breeding or embryo transfer, mares are closely observed for comfort, stress levels, and overall condition. They are returned to a relaxed environment with appropriate care, feeding, and turnout or hand-walking as suitable.

For mares staying on site, we maintain consistent daily care and monitor overall well-being throughout their stay.

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Owner Communication & Expectations

Successful breeding programs are a team effort. We ask mare owners to provide accurate health records and disclose any known issues that may affect care or handling. Open communication helps us provide care that is tailored, safe, and effective.

We are always happy to discuss expectations, answer questions, and walk owners through each step of the process.

We believe in a hands-off, mare-first approach to foal care while still providing careful monitoring during the critical hours after birth. Our focus is on ensuring the foal is healthy, stable, and able to safely travel home with the mare when appropriate.

Most foals do not remain on site long-term. Owners may choose to foal out at home, or have their mare foal at our facility and then transport the mare and foal home once both are stable.

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Post-Foaling Monitoring

Following foaling, mares and foals are closely observed during the critical early period. Monitoring includes:

• Confirmation that the foal is standing and nursing appropriately

• Monitoring vital signs and overall responsiveness

• Observing mare–foal bonding

• Ensuring the mare passes the placenta normally

Foals are monitored for normal behavior, strength, and comfort to help identify concerns early.

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Health Checks & Levels

We coordinate appropriate post-foaling health checks and veterinary evaluation when needed. This may include monitoring key health indicators and ensuring the foal is progressing normally during the first hours of life.

Any concerns are addressed promptly, and owners are notified immediately if veterinary care or additional monitoring is recommended.

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Handling Philosophy

Handling is kept minimal and purposeful. Foals may be gently handled only as necessary to:

• Ensure safety

• Confirm health status

• Assist with movement alongside the mare for transport

We do not provide routine imprinting or training unless the foal is owned by Last Resort Stallion Station or special arrangements have been made.

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Short-Term Stay & Specialty Situations

Foals typically remain on site only long enough to ensure they are stable and safe to travel. We do accept foals for short-term specialty care or monitoring in situations such as:

• Weak or compromised foals

• Health concerns requiring closer observation

• Veterinary-recommended monitoring

Care plans in these situations are discussed directly with the owner.

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Owner Communication

Clear communication is a priority during and after foaling. Owners are kept informed of observations, timing, and any recommendations so they can make confident decisions about transporting their mare and foal home.