Breeding a mare can be one of the most rewarding experiences as a horse owner, but it can also feel overwhelming. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, and it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s true. I’ve been there myself — full of excitement, but also full of questions, doubts, and fears.

If you're new to breeding or feeling unsure where to begin, below are some of the most common concerns I hear - and what I've learned along the way. Let's dig in and clear up some of the biggest myths about horse breeding.

Myth 1: “Breeding is natural, so it will just happen easily.”

Breeding is indeed a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. Don’t make the mistake and underestimate how much preparation and knowledge it takes to do it well.

When I started, I thought it would be easy to find clear guidance on what to do and when. I quickly realised that wasn’t the case. The information was scattered, and I had to fill in a lot of blanks myself. Don’t get me wrong, I liked doing the research because I learned a lot, but I would have liked it to be a bit easier to find. That’s exactly why I created The Equestrian Collective: to bring everything together in one place, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Myth 2: “Only professionals or big breeders can do this properly.”

Says who?? This belief holds so many people back. You absolutely don’t need to be a professional to breed successfully. But you do need to be thorough, structured, and willing to learn.

When I decided I wanted a foal of my own, I had absolutely no experience with breeding. But I didn’t let that stop me. The dream was bigger than my doubts. That’s why I spent countless hours researching, planning, and learning, and now I can help you save time and avoid the overwhelm. Breeding is an incredible journey that will stretch you, teach you, and fill you with pride. If I could do it, so can you.

Myth 3: “If my mare looks healthy, she’s automatically ready to breed.”

A healthy-looking mare isn’t always ready to breed. Timing and preparation are everything.

Before breeding, it’s essential to have your mare checked by a vet to make sure there are no underlying issues that could affect her ability to carry a foal. The timing of insemination is also crucial — the window is short! I left my mare at the station a few days before she went into heat, and brought her home when she was confirmed 17 days pregnant. That preparation made all the difference. They kept me informed of every step that was taken, and I could relax, knowing that she was in the hands of experts.

Myth 4: “I can just Google everything I need to know.”

I get it — I did the same thing. And while you can find bits and pieces online, the information is often conflicting or incomplete.

I remember feeling unsure whether I was missing something important. That uncertainty is stressful, especially when you care so deeply about doing things right. That’s why having a trusted, step-by-step guide matters so much — it gives you peace of mind and confidence in your decisions.

Myth 5: “Breeding is too risky, it always ends badly.”

Yes, things can go wrong, but that doesn’t mean they always do. Most of the time, everything works out beautifully, and by being prepared for the worst, even hard situations are easier to manage.

The key is to know what to expect and have a plan for what to do if something unexpected happens. Preparation doesn’t remove the risk, but it gives you control and confidence when it matters most.

Myth 6: “It’s too expensive, I’ll never be able to afford it.”

Breeding does come with costs, but they’re often misunderstood.

One of the reasons I decided to breed was that I couldn’t afford to buy the kind of horse I dreamed of owning. So, I bred her instead — and now I have the horse of my dreams! Over time, the total cost was about the same, but the breeding itself was a lot less than I expected.

Myth 7: “Asking questions means I’m not a good horse owner.”

Oh, this one couldn’t be further from the truth. Asking questions shows that you care deeply about your mare (and foal) and want to do right by them. We’re all new at some point, and how are you supposed to learn without asking?

I’ve asked so many questions along the way, and I still do! Curiosity is a sign of commitment, not weakness. And here, in The Equestrian Collective, no question is ever silly. You’re in good company.

If you’re ready to feel more confident and supported on your breeding journey, you’re in the right place.

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✨ If you're considering breeding and want to explore you're ideas, the Breeding Journey Workbook is a natural place to start.

You don’t have to do this alone — and you’re far more capable than you think.