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  Discussion on Timid Young Stallion
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Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2000 - 8:30 pm:

Hello,
I would appreciate any feedback from experienced breeders. This is the first year we are using our two year old colt. He is physically ready, but very timid. Our mares are 10 & 14, which I heard is a great combination for a young stud. We prefer to pasture breed, and so far the mares just keep running him off. When they do sniff noses, he does the submissive gesture and the mares aren't thrilled. My questions are:

1. How much of a part does the stallion play in bringing these mares into heat...so far neither have showed any signs. One is at day 30 after foaling and the other is at day 11.

2. We tried hand breeding, had both on lead lines but neither one gets excited when held nose to nose. They just stand and fall asleep!

3. Does this mean that the colt needs more time to mature? Or is the mare just NOT in heat?

I sure appreciate anyone's suggestions or help.
We REALLY want to use this colt this year.

Denise

Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 4:10 pm:

Denise,
Addressing your number 3 first: I think either is possible so I would recommend you get a vet out to check them. When you say 2 years old, how many actual months old is he?
DrO

Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 6:01 pm:

Dr, O
He will be 24 months tomorrow, the 15th. So exactly two years old.

I have read that there is a possible hormone drug that can increase the libido (sp?) of a young stud, is this true? And I suppose if it is, that doesn't promise that they can produce, right?

Confusing.

Posted on Monday, May 15, 2000 - 9:13 am:

I think I would just give the little guy a little more time, he is still very young. Normally he would not be completly fertile at this time. If by the 30th month he still shows little sign of libido consider testing.
DrO

Posted on Monday, May 15, 2000 - 11:11 am:

Thanks Dr O,
If I can't use him this year, we will have to do A.I. as there is not many studs around of the same breed. Can you give me any advice on this?

Denise

Posted on Monday, May 15, 2000 - 7:37 pm:

Hello Denise,
I am afraid it is very difficult to answer a general question of this type with the time constraints I have. I mean, you can spend years studying this subject. On the other hand the mechanics of inseminating mares with shipped cooled semen is pretty straight forward. You need to study the articles in the area, The Horseman's Advisor: Equine Reproduction: Breeding and
Foaling Menu for both general information on breeding mares and specifics on AI. Unless you are already experienced at palpating mares you will probably require the help of a veterinarian to know when the mare is getting ready to ovulate.
DrO

Posted on Monday, May 15, 2000 - 10:22 pm:

Thanks alot, Dr. O...as always appreciate your insight and help.

Denise

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 11, 2000 - 12:26 pm:

Dr O,
I just thought for those with the same circumstances as us an update on our situation would be helpful.
We booked a stud to do A.I. the beginning of August when the foals were weaned from our two mares. In the meantime, we put the mares in with the young timid stud & two of his gelding buddies. Low and behold within a week the mares came into heat and our timid stud got brave enough to cover at least one of the mares! This mare has not showed signs of heat and is past due.
We are not sure what caused the change...but we are excited. Part of the reason may be that we moved the mares into his territory where he felt secure with his fellow pasture mates.
We plan to have her vet checked in a few weeks to confirm.

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 12, 2000 - 6:18 am:

Great Denise.
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2000 - 2:33 pm:

Hi all,
More updates. We had the vet check & both our mares are bred by our young "used to be" timid stallion, thank heaven! Our colt was just 25 months when he sucessfully bred our first mare. The second mare, the older one who was quite determined that she would only accept him if he "acted like a stud" finally "took" August 15. I am thankful we didn't need to use the A.I.
We will have summer babies but that is okay.
To any who have young, timid colts and wonder if they will ever grow up....this is proof that they will! I just love watching him interact with them now...he nickers to them and has such confidence.
Denise

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2000 - 7:21 pm:

Yeah! That's great Denise.
Barbara
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