A successful breeding program relies on more than good mares and strong pedigrees. It takes careful management, experienced veterinarians, and the right resources working together. At Valley Equine Reproduction, the Recipient Mare Division was built with exactly that process in mind, offering a full range of clinical services developed to give horse owners real results and real peace of mind.
Whether you’re new to embryo transfer or an experienced breeder looking for a reliable partner, our team works to provide dependable results through a program you can trust.
What Does Valley Equine’s Recipient Mare Division do?
The Recipient Mare Division is a specialized program within Valley Equine Reproduction that manages a herd of mares specifically for use in embryo transfer (ET) programs. These mares serve as recipient dams, carrying a donor mare’s pregnancy through gestation, foaling, and early development.
Valley Equine maintains a large herd of recipient mares, which allows our veterinary team to more effectively synchronize donor and recipient cycles and identify suitable candidates for embryo transfer. Because embryo viability is closely tied to uterine environment and timing, access to a large recipient herd significantly improves the likelihood of a successful match.
Recipient mares are monitored closely throughout their reproductive cycle using regular ultrasound examinations to evaluate follicular development and uterine health. Careful daily monitoring during estrus allows our veterinarians to determine when a mare is properly synchronized and ready to receive an embryo. Recipient mares are managed year-round with attention to nutrition, preventative health care, and reproductive soundness, as the quality of the recipient mare impacts pregnancy success and early foal development.
Reproductive Evaluations
A reproductive evaluation is often the first step in preparing a mare for a breeding program. It’s designed to assess a mare’s potential to become pregnant and successfully carry a foal to term.
During this examination, veterinarians evaluate the reproductive tract to assess a mare’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy. Open mares are examined for uterine abnormalities, fluid accumulation, infection, or other conditions that could affect fertility. Performing these evaluations prior to the breeding season allows potential challenges to be identified and addressed early. Establishing a clear reproductive plan before breeding begins helps improve efficiency during the season.
This service is available by outpatient appointment, making it convenient for owners who prefer trailer-in visits rather than extended stays at the facility.
Breeding Management
Successful breeding management requires close monitoring of the mare’s reproductive cycle and precise timing of insemination. Valley Equine manages mares for artificial insemination using fresh, cooled-transported, or frozen semen. Through regular ultrasound examinations and hormonal management when necessary, our veterinarians determine the optimal breeding window for each mare.
Mares may be managed through outpatient breeding appointments or remain at the facility for full reproductive management. This flexibility allows owners to choose the level of oversight that best fits their program.
Embryo Transfer
For many breeders, embryo transfer is the service that creates possibilities that weren’t available generations ago. A donor mare can produce multiple embryos within a single breeding season, allowing breeders to generate more than one foal from a genetically valuable mare. ET also allows older mares whose uterine environment may no longer support pregnancy to continue contributing genetically through the use of more fit recipient mares.
For mares actively competing, embryo transfer offers another important benefit. Performance mares can continue training and showing while donating embryos, allowing owners to begin establishing a produce record without interrupting competition.
Having over 1,000 recipient mares available is an important advantage here. It’s essential that the donor mare and recipient mare are properly synchronized, and a larger herd gives us a much better chance of finding the right match at the right time.
Valley Equine’s Recipient Mare Division: A Program Built on Commitment
Valley Equine’s Recipient Mare Division combines veterinary oversight, a large recipient herd, and careful reproductive management to support programs of all sizes. We continue to grow our recipient herd year after year to meet increasing demand, and our customer-focused approach shapes every decision we make.
From basic reproductive evaluations to full embryo transfer programs, we’re here to assist your breeding goals at every step. Valley Equine has a full team dedicated to the recipient mare division.
If you’re interested in learning more about our equine embryo mare leasing opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the Valley Equine Recipient Mare Division at embryo@valleyequinerepro.com or call us at (817) 594-6900. We’re located at 14850 US Hwy 67, Stephenville, TX 76401, and we’re ready to help you build the program your mares deserve.
