I’m curious to know how other stallion owners handle breeding and competition simultaneously. Two years ago when I first bred my stallion, I did not show him or set goals until the mares were in foal. I rode him throughout breeding season, he maintained his composure well and didn’t seem to feel any different.
This year, he’s breeding a mare this week, and has another mare or 2 scheduled next month. He’s entered in several upcoming events, including this weekend. He’s quite good at separating “business” and “pleasure,” so I’m not too worried about behavioral issues. However, how much could it affect him physically?
He doesn’t have a large book, just a handful of mares at most, so I am hopeful he can manage both jobs this season. When he is more proven in performance next year, I plan to market him more to the public and reduce his competing as needed.
He is a TB, and thus far breeding live cover only. Our events are local (no stabling), so he doesn’t miss any cover days due to travel. I hope to pursue collecting next year.
I know it is very common to only offer frozen during show season, as stallions are on the road at shows and unable to collect fresh if the mare needs it Now. I’d love to hear other’s experiences managing breeding and showing.
