Book of about 40 in northern hemisphere, another same same in southern hemisphere at the other end of the year. All thoroughbred foals have to be ‘naturally’ sired - no artificial insemination permitted. 40 leaves a bit of wiggle room for a return service if the mares involved didn’t catch on the first try. Also, there’s a huge advantage to a foal bred/born early in the season cos they’re older and stronger when they tick over into 2 year old status and can start to race. So there’s a practical limit to the number of mares that can be bred by a stallion in a given year. This is factored into the price of a stud fee for a top rated stallion. A mare can produce maybe 10-12 foals in a lifetime, a stallion is much more productive, and profitable.
Used to work in the racing industry many moons ago as an exercise rider and stable hand, and got a deep look at how things worked. Then I was a professional 3 day eventer and show jumper for nearly 15 years. Most of my own horses were survivors of the racing industry. Yes, there are some survivors, and the ones that do survive are amazing horses. But the racing industry itself is an alternative universe with its own customs, rules and laws. Which may or may not be congruent with the law of the land. I’m glad I did it, but once I left I had no desire to ever go back. Besides, eventing was much more fun.
80 foals per year…! Jesus Christ I did not know that.
Book of about 40 in northern hemisphere, another same same in southern hemisphere at the other end of the year. All thoroughbred foals have to be ‘naturally’ sired - no artificial insemination permitted. 40 leaves a bit of wiggle room for a return service if the mares involved didn’t catch on the first try. Also, there’s a huge advantage to a foal bred/born early in the season cos they’re older and stronger when they tick over into 2 year old status and can start to race. So there’s a practical limit to the number of mares that can be bred by a stallion in a given year. This is factored into the price of a stud fee for a top rated stallion. A mare can produce maybe 10-12 foals in a lifetime, a stallion is much more productive, and profitable.
You, um, seem to know a bit about this…
Used to work in the racing industry many moons ago as an exercise rider and stable hand, and got a deep look at how things worked. Then I was a professional 3 day eventer and show jumper for nearly 15 years. Most of my own horses were survivors of the racing industry. Yes, there are some survivors, and the ones that do survive are amazing horses. But the racing industry itself is an alternative universe with its own customs, rules and laws. Which may or may not be congruent with the law of the land. I’m glad I did it, but once I left I had no desire to ever go back. Besides, eventing was much more fun.