10/14/2026
Did you know? Breeding season preparation starts long before the first breeding date! 🐴
S***m collected during breeding season began developing weeks earlier.
Fall is a great time for stallion collection training, semen evaluation, and testing how semen tolerates cooling or freezing. At Anoka Equine, we recommend waiting until stallions are at least 3 years old to begin collection, with readiness assessed individually.
Mares intended for early breeding in Minnesota need a head start.
Mares are seasonal breeders, and artificial lighting programs generally need to begin 60–90 days before the desired breeding date. Planning for February? Discuss a November or December start with your veterinarian.
Body condition and reproductive health take time to improve.
Mares entering breeding season too thin may have lower conception rates. Reviewing body condition, nutrition, and reproductive history this fall allows time to address concerns—especially for older mares, first-time broodmares, or mares with previous pregnancy loss.
October is the right time to build your early 2027 breeding plan!
•October–November: Schedule reproductive evaluations, assess nutrition and body condition, and arrange stallion testing.
•November–December: Begin your mare’s lighting program based on your target breeding date.
• January: Finalize breeding contracts and coordinate cooled or frozen semen arrangements.
A little planning now can make a big difference next season. Contact Anoka Equine to get started!