Looking for suggestions for hunter-type WB stallion with ROCKET FUEL

[ElementFarm]

My heart horse, a 2001 mare (Riverman X Consul) produced a lovely colt in 2016, catching on the first try. I did try (two times) to breed her last spring, and she didn’t take.

I’m debating trying ONE more time with her this spring. She’s healthy, looks fantastic, and repro work last year didn’t illuminate any problems or reasons she didn’t catch. (I use NC State for my repro work, and they’re the ones who got her in foal in 2015)

I am leaning towards just using the breeding on a different mare. But I’m still considering trying one more time with this one. I adore this mare, would kill for an exact clone of her, and I know with her age, this would be the last try.

So, if I do decide to try one more hail mary, I’m looking for stallions with rocket fuel semen. The ones you’ve used for hard-to-settle mares and half-doses. Ideally looking for AHS-approved, but I can be flexible. Prefer ammie-friendly, and something that will add some height (mare is 15.3) but won’t make a monster (I’m 5’1). Hunter type strongly preferred, but I can live without a hack winner, and mare has a tremendous jump to bring to the equation.

I’d love recommendations.

also, as a side question, with the understanding that costs are significantly more, would it be worth trying to breed AI, and then try to flush an embryo? I’d hugely prefer mare to carry to term herself, mostly due to finances, but if we’re talking about a statistically significant increase in chances of a successful result, I’m willing to consider it.

Also, feel free to be brutally honest. If a 19yo mare who didn’t take last year is a bad bet, tell me bluntly. I’m still new enough to this, and I’d appreciate the feedback.

thanks!

[SnicklefritzG]

My advice would be to do a breeding soundness exam. The results could give you some insight into whether it is worth trying again or not. A probability of conceiving and carrying to teen is attached to each grade.

[Laurierace]

@SnicklefritzG

My advice would be to do a breeding soundness exam. The results could give you some insight into whether it is worth trying again or not. A probability of conceiving and carrying to teen is attached to each grade.

Agree completely. No one can really give you any meaningful advice until you know the answers to this question.

[anon6923113]

Definitely a breeding soundness exam.

As far as considering flushing an embryo from a favorite mare, there are considerations beyond expense to take into account. An interesting article came out recently - worth a read.

http://www.eurodressage.com/2019/01/07/maternal-transmission-behaviour

Personally… I have an older teenage mare who had a filly in 2018. I love the older mare to bits, she is my heart horse, she has unique genetics that I value, and wonderful conformation. However… the thing that makes her my favorite horse ever, over and above conformation and athleticism, are aspects of the mare’s personality. She’s a very self confident horse, and incredibly smart. But also sweet in her own way - she’s unique. The weanling filly I got from my mare is SO much like her mother. I don’t think I would have gotten the same result from an ET and a recipient mare. It might have turned out excellent with a lovely sweet tempered recipient… but it wouldn’t be quite the same.

Just something to think about when considering ET with a personal beloved heart horse mare vs. ET with a world class performance mare.

[Majestic_Gaits]

We use Navarone on hard to breed mares too. Definately Rocket fuel. Good jump and produces good hunters too. Really an all around producer that are extremely ammy friendly. He is in all the books except AHS. Unless she has a reason she can’t carry, ET is harder. I assume NC did a biopsy?

[Edgar]

Culture perhaps, use Immunall and great semen, 2 tries is not a lot of tries to write her off.
Lord Adonis great option for hunter producer , Lordanos produced the Half million hunter prix winner and the million dollar GP, winner twice! Interesting lines right now for your purpose and sales. www.Eurequine.com

[ElementFarm]

@horsechick

Amazing has excellent shipped semen rates, and if needed can do counter to counter so it gets to you even sooner. He may add a touch of height, but will add substance (think overgrown pony!) What is your mares breeding? And I agree, do a soundness exam, and based on those results, 19 doesn’t scare me if she is in otherwise excellent health. You can see Amazing at www.cornerstonefarmpa.com

I actually love Amazing, but I really prefer something AHS approved. I’m also willing to use ISR OLD/NA. This mare produced a stunning colt by Bliss in 2016, and he looks like he’ll develop into a lovely small hunter.

Mare has been cultured, biopsied, etc. NC State has a good repro clinic, and they took great care of us. They were also very disappointed that she didn’t take.

I do appreciate everyone’s stallion suggestions. Thanks!!