We often get many questions about how the breeding process works, what a person needs to do, where to begin and more. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the the most frequently asked questions; we hope you find it helpful.
Q: How do I buy the frozen semen from the stallions Mountain Creek Sport Horses carries?
A: Mountain Creek Sport Horses is here to act as the ‘middle man’ for you to make your shipping, storage and import cheaper and easier. We do not directly sell the semen from our stallions (unless posted in an individual basis). Links to the stallion farms are on the stallion page. It is the responsibility of the mare owner to contact the stallion owner, sign a breeding contract and pay the breeding fee.
Q: How do I get my Breeding Certificate?
A: Your Breeding Certificate will be included in your shipping package. Please be sure to let us know what registry you will be using so we can include the right one. If no requirement is stated, the Canadian Sport Horse Certificate will be sent to you.
Q: Do you also represent Canadian Stallions?
A: Yes we do!
Q: How long will you store the frozen doses for?
A: We can store your frozen semen and frozen embryos for as long as you like. With the purchase of your semen, one year of free storage is included. For additional storage requirements please contact MCSH.
Q: What is the difference in my chances of getting a foal using fresh cooled vs. frozen?
A: With artificial insemination, especially with transported semen, a lot depends upon the experience of the inseminator, as insemination at the right time is essential. Ideally only one or two inseminations are carried out during the heat cycle, so it is essential that it takes place as close a possible to the time the mare ovulates. We will assume your inseminator is knowledgeable and experienced. Frozen semen conception rates are approximately 10% lower than those for cooled semen. Once the mare is pregnant, the chances of a mare that was bred by fresh cooled or frozen having a live foal are essentially the same as those for a mare bred by live cover.
Q: What are the advantages of frozen semen?
A: Frozen semen advantages include:
– There is no requirement to schedule shipments of semen to fit the mare’s ovulation time.
– It can be stored indefinitely.
– The stallion does not have to be taken out of competition to breed, or have his competitive attitude possibly upset by having to be bred.
– The market for semen is global, as there is no limitation on duration of delivery time.
– There is an “insurance factor”, should your stallion become ill or die, and be unable to fulfil his breeding commitments.
– Shipping will be cheaper.
– Breeding can be done at home without the issue of moving the mare on and off the property.
– The chance of spreading dissease is significatly decreased.
Q: What is involved in de thawing the frozen semen?
A: All our stallions have the same basic thawing method. The thawing instructions for your specific stallion will be included in your shipping package.