Access to top-tier genetics in horse breeding is more convenient than ever, thanks to advanced semen shipping. Whether you’re coordinating around a mare’s cycle or managing multiple breedings, knowing the logistics of semen shipping can directly impact the success of your season.
At Valley Equine, we understand that timing and handling are critical to maximizing your breeding success. So let’s break down the essential methods of semen shipping and how each one fits into your breeding strategy.
Preparing for Success Before Shipment
To help your breeding experience go smoothly, we encourage you to read through the entire contract and follow the outlined timeline. A completed contract and all paperwork must be submitted to the office at least 72 hours before semen shipment. Additionally, we ask for a minimum of 24 hours’ notice prior to shipping, as availability depends on the stallion’s collection schedule and other pending requests.
While we aim to align shipments as closely as possible with your mare’s cycle, availability is handled on a first come, first served basis. Because we’re working with live animals, schedules can occasionally shift. Early planning and open communication help ensure the best results for everyone involved.
Our team is committed to making the process efficient and timely, and we appreciate your partnership in doing the same. Clear communication helps ensure your mare is bred at the optimal time.
Choosing the Right Way to Ship Semen
When you plan to breed your mare, choosing the correct semen shipping method is crucial. The right option depends on multiple factors, including location, mare cycle’s stage, stallion availability, and whether the semen is fresh or frozen.
Depending on your needs, semen can be shipped either cooled or frozen. Cooled shipments are available via FedEx, UPS, or local courier service. Frozen semen is shipped in returnable vapor shippers through FedEx or UPS, or can be picked up directly. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, depending on delivery timelines and geographic location.
Frozen Semen: For the Long Haul
Frozen semen offers long-term flexibility, making it a practical choice for breeding outside a stallion’s collection schedule. It does require specialized handling and storage.
At Valley Equine, frozen semen is shipped in 25-pound vapor shippers. These cryogenic containers maintain extremely low temperatures and are safe for transport through carriers like FedEx. Because they are designed for short-term use only, semen should be transferred to a permanent storage tank immediately upon arrival. Once the transfer is complete, we ask that tanks be returned to Valley Equine promptly to keep the process running efficiently for all clients.
This method requires additional coordination between all parties involved. Clear communication between the mare owner, the veterinary clinic, and the Valley Equine team helps ensure everything is in place. Orders should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance, and availability confirmed ahead of time.
On-Site Boxed Pickups: Local Convenience
If you’re close to our location, on-site boxed pickups for cooled or frozen semen are a great option. These are simple, reliable, and cost-effective. The semen is packaged in an insulated container with cooling elements and will be ready for pickup after 1:00 PM.
This method ensures minimal transit time, which means better semen viability for your mare. Many local breeders choose this method when timing is critical and the mare’s cycle aligns with the stallion’s collection schedule.
Counter-to-Counter Flights: Fastest National Delivery
Need semen delivered fast and far? Counter-to-counter (CTC) flights offer same-day national transport. With this method, semen is delivered from one airport to another. This is an ideal option when UPS or FedEx is unavailable due to weather or weekends.
Stallion breeding plans that involve mares in remote areas often benefit from this expedited delivery option. While it carries a slightly higher price, this method offers the quickest delivery timeline, subject to cargo flight schedules in your area.
Ground Shipping: FedEx Priority Overnight
Ground shipping is the most commonly used option for cooled semen. At Valley Equine, we primarily ship through FedEx, which delivers by the next day in most areas. This is ideal when breeding timelines are flexible by a few hours.
Though efficient, this method does require planning around shipping cut-off times and carrier availability. FedEx pickups are not available on weekends or government holidays, and do require a Saturday delivery address if shipping on a Friday. Still, this remains the go-to method for consistent, dependable delivery for many horse breeding operations.
Stallion Show Schedules: Timing is Everything
Before making final plans, always check the show schedules, available on each competing stallion’s page on our website. If a stallion is competing or away at a show, cooled semen may not be available during that time. It is always best practice to call and confirm availability on our stallions that are still competing.
Factoring stallion schedules into your breeding plans helps prevent last-minute surprises and keeps your timeline on track. If cooled semen is unavailable due to competition or travel, check with the Valley Equine team about frozen semen options, and consult your veterinarian about using it as an alternative. Planning ahead based on availability allows for a more seamless and efficient breeding season.
Ready to build more innovative stallion breeding plans?
Semen shipping relies on precision and clear communication to be successful. Whether timing a breeding around competition or coordinating with a veterinary team, knowing your options allows you to plan effectively around your mare’s cycle.
At Valley Equine, we specialize in simplifying the complexities of horse breeding logistics. Our knowledgeable staff, reliable network, and commitment to detail help ensure timely and accurate delivery of your shipments. If something seems off or unexpected with a shipment, we ask that you notify us immediately so we can address the issue as quickly and effectively as possible.
If you have questions about semen shipping, stallion schedules, or breeding strategies, our team is ready to help you plan with confidence.
