Currently the most popular form of live cover

Hand-mating involves the mare being teased by the stallion in order to determine whether or not she is in heat. She is then brought to the breeding shed, or the breeding stall where she is enclosed and tied. The stallion is then brought in, they copulate and then the stallion is removed. Generally a period of teasing occurs before the stallion mounts the mare in order to ensure her receptiveness.

It is currently the most popular form of live-cover as it can be closely monitored and ensures that the mare has been impregnated. It poses less risk to the stallion and the mare as they are both being handled. You can schedule the breeding and confirm insemination through examination of the reproductive tract.

It requires more handling and for the mares to be teased to determine whether or not they are in heat before copulation occurs. Some mares are ‘shy’ meaning that while they are in heat, they may not be receptive to breeding in the breeding shed. More personnel are required in order to handle the mare and stallion compared with pasture breeding. There is also an increased risk of injury to the personnel handling the mare and stallion.

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