Horses for Sale – Buying a Broodmare

Horses for Sale – Buying a Broodmare
There are so many mares to choose from if you are considering buying a broodmare you can afford be very selective. It is important to select a mare that has correct confirmation, a good temperament if the mare has had success in the show ring that is also a plus.

If a quality competition mare has been injured in an accident the mare will be good candidate to become a potentially great broodmare. If a mare is unsound due to poor confirmation or perhaps a hereditary disease it is unwise to breed from said mare, as there is the possibility that the defect will be passed on to the foal, as will any undesirable behaviour such as weaving or wind sucking, these are likely to be passed onto the offspring. 

Thought must go in to the career of the ensuing foal, this will dictate the type and breed of broodmare you will need to breed from. Many people put all the emphasis on the sire with little thought for the mare, this is a big mistake as the mare will provide half the genetic makeup of the foal, therefore it is essential to buy a quality broodmare with desirable qualities. If possible view any other foals that have been produced by a particular broodmare as these will be the best way to gauge what sort of offspring they are likely to produce. 

When buying a broodmare it is advisable to buy a broodmare with a pedigree and research the bloodlines thoroughly as a good looking mare may not produce something similar unless they have the correct bloodlines. Therefore ensure that you are making the correct choice by viewing as many potential broodmares as possible. It is key to always bear in mind whether a mare has something unique or exceptional that is worth passing onto future generations. 

Always have a potential broodmare vetted as the wind, heart and eyes are all vitally important when breeding, the must be in good health and in a fit enough physical condition to breed from. If the horse has been in an accident which is the reason why they are going to be used as a broodmare, get a vet to check any scars or blemishes.  This will determine whether the nature of the accident is genuine and will not have an effect on any offspring, and if the broodmare has visual scars from an injury then they have no other use and can never be shown again. This is a useful tool for negotiating a lower price.  Although proven competition mares are renowned for being the best broodmares.  It is common sense however to buy a broodmare that is sound as they will have another use if something was to go wrong with the pregnancy.