Be a Responsible Breeder

(Page 17) Breeding should be a calm and deliberate experience for both the jack and the mare. The stud manager has several decisions to make, all dependent on the personality and disposition of the mare. If she is calm, she might be fine in the breeding chute, and she and the jack can breed safely. Pasture breeding is not recommended as it puts both animals at risk for injury. Mare owners are often apprehensive about pasture breeding anyway, so it’s important that your jack learns to breed “in-hand.” In a pasture-breeding situation, it’s too difficult to control behaviors if they begin to fight. Trying to catch the jack and take him from the mares can also become a problem and put you at risk. And it is more difficult to monitor the animals and keep accurate breeding records in a herd situation. You can begin in-hand training when your jack is three years old. Your breeding area should be separated from other areas and equipped with either a breeding chute, or a breeding pit. If the mare is taller than the jack, he may need to stand on a platform behind the chute. The mare can also be confined in a lower ground, breeding pit to make her more accessible. Select animals that are of good conformation and disposition, and that they compliment each other in their make-up. Size is a consideration as is thickness of bone. Mammoth jacks do not always contribute to the height of the resulting offspring, but they will consistently contribute thickness of bone. In general, mule offspring will most likely be the mare’s height, 2” shorter or 2” taller. A shorter mare bred to a Mammoth jack will produce a sturdier “pack mule” type that will not be so tall and difficult to load. Taller mares bred to Standard, or Large Standard jacks will produce very nice refined performance mules with lots of energy and athletic agility. Breed a mare with your selected jack that best suits the type of mule that you want. An all-around versatile and quiet Quarter Horse, Paint, Appaloosa or Morgan mare might be a good all-around choice. If you are looking to compete in Dressage and Combined Training, or Endurance, a Thoroughbred, Arabian or Warm Blood mare might be a good choice. Driving mares include small to larger breeds such as Welsh Ponies, Haflingers, Morgans, Thoroughbreds and Draft mares. Spring will be here soon with thoughts of breeding, but please be responsible and realize that in this depressed economy it is important to consider ideal conformation and disposition in the offspring so they have the best chance of finding a good home. Equines with compromised conformation will always be at risk for medical issues that can limit their usability and longevity. For more information, visit the various sections under TRAINING (i.e. TRAINING/TRAINING TIPS) on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com. My book, A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES has a wealth of this kind of information about management and training, and can be found at www.luckythreeranchstore.com. If you do not find the answers to your questions or concerns, you are always welcome to email me at meredith@luckythreeranch.com and I will answer you promptly!