riding stallions after they cover mares

[spangal]

there are so many factors regarding breeding that should be taken into account prior to breeding. finding a mentor who can help you evaluate your stallion both for temperament and conformation is a great way to get started.

you mention low self confidence, in regard to which aspect of horse care/management/breeding?

I have been to see a breeder of Welsh cobs this afternoon.  She lives just down the road and is soooo helpful and really very near for immediate help and advice.
Elinda I don't think I have low self confidence in any of the areas you mention.  It is the riding really, but am hoping for significant improvement once I've been on the equisimulator course later this week.  Thanks
for your help
Sally  xxx
Oh and yes know what you mean about the feed prices and the breeder down the orad taken it into account and fewer mares in foal!

[spangal]

I had his head virtually stuck up a mare's backside at one point (accidentally, of course!).  - they seem very strictly handled and seem to know they don't get away with anything. I don't mean rough particularly, just definite and strict.

Lisa

Thanks Lisa,
I rode Siloe out alone this evening and then joined a mare which my husband was riding.  Siloe was doing a very slow walk on 5 legs for a good few hundred yards!  It was better when she was alonside or in front and although he was making some silly noises at times he did obey me.  I was firm with him but not rough and he did as he was asked without getting stroppy.  Just hoping he will be as good after covering a mare.

[Tiber]

I think if it was me and I knew I definitely wanted to ride him as well as use him as a rather sexy baby-making machine (I've seen him and he's lovely - and incredibly laid back) I would wait until his ridden training is further advanced before introducing the other side of his work.

I would apply this to both sides of the partnership - horse and rider - so if you don't feel confident riding him yet wait until you do before you start thinking about little Siloe babies, lovely as they would inevitably be!

(And of course I'd like to be able to ride out with you occasionally once I move without worrying that he's going to jump on Honey and squash me!)

[spangal]

(And of course I'd like to be able to ride out with you occasionally once I move without worrying that he's going to jump on Honey and squash me!)

Hi Judith,
Well the wondering what to do is over. Siloe sorted it for himself.  He let himself out of the stable and into the field.  Amazing top lip action for that gate catch I think!  He is very happy with his herd of 1 (Maggie).  He was happy to come back in again and tacked up fine.  We rode out round the block very happily, so I am sure he will be fine in company as well. He also rode past a mare in season and although he spoke to her he didn't attempt to join her!

[Tiber]

Which one's Maggie? 

He's a clever boy then as well as gorgeous!

(Now we'll just have to worry about Honey throwing herself at him - she's a bit of a habitual flirt )

[St Pirans Stud]

Hi

Just come across this thread - feel free to pm me if you want a chat - or call me at home.

Our experience

Bierzo - has a super temperament and I can cover with him (the covering paddock is next to the school he works in), give him a breather and then work in the school with the mare(s) he is covering hangining over the fence.  He is the very best behaved stallion and gives me no trouble.

Mendiondo - our first stallion was the same to start off with and as time went on he got less and less able to cope with this, in three covering seasons he got to the point where he was very fraught by the whole process.  He was a stallion whom was very hot.

Facilities are essential - somewhere safe to cover.  We have a set up that allows me to hold the mare and be totally safe, Paul does all the stallion handling - so to an extent Bierzo does not associate me with covering.

We use a covering bridle with a single straight bar which Bierzo associates with covering, as soon as the saddle and bridle goes on it is a different job.

Some of the problems
- once they cover their mind is in two different places and as a handler you have to have lines of discipline and keep to them
- before you cover you may have a sensible stallion - it may not stay that way - if you are only covering a couple of mares is the stud fee really worth it
- if you have a less than well behaved mare and it kicks him during mount/dismount, a misplaced blow to the testicles can prove disasterous

My personal opinion is - if you don't need to do it don't bother, we are in our last season of taking outside mares because it is too much hastle for the stud fee.  We have not actively promoted this season and are focussing on buying quality mares to breed our own stock.

Best of luck - get stallion handling experience whilst covering, and have someone with you whom is experienced at stallion handling during covering to teach you.  If you want any help with this we are able to offer this experience.

Rach
tel 01736 711042
email rachel@stpiransstud.com

[spangal]

Which one's Maggie? 

He's a clever boy then as well as gorgeous!

(Now we'll just have to worry about Honey throwing herself at him - she's a bit of a habitual flirt )

You haven't met Maggie yet, but she is a black cobx thoroughbred.  Very striking couple they make as well! He seems to be able to switch off from the girlies who throw themselves at him.  Penry's new pony was trying the hussie act as we rode past today!

[spangal]

Hi


My personal opinion is - if you don't need to do it don't bother, we are in our last season of taking outside mares because it is too much hastle for the stud fee.  We have not actively promoted this season and are focussing on buying quality mares to breed our own stock.

Hi Rach,
Thanks for all the gen, it is certainly appreciated.  I have decided that we will only use Siloe to cover a mare of our own this season, because as you say, the hassle and potential problems are not worth it.  The mare is a nice temperament and unshod and is at grass with Siloe, so I think that is a bit more natural and he shouldn't associate me with the process when I appear with the saddle and bridle.  No doubt I will be taking up your offer to pm you at some stage.
Thanks again
Sally

[MagsnDan]

Attempts to get poss up to be ridden(he has covered LOTS mares)after this I put the bridle on and still couldnt get his head off the floor. He is stabled near and ridden with mares. Has qualified for hickstead too all with no problem.

[spangal]

  Looks a bit too much on his toes for me!!  Could do with him having a word with Siloe I think!