Aim to bring a recently retired athlete to his new home at least 90 days before breeding to let him become comfortable with his new surroundings and provide time for stress and any performance-related medications to cease exerting their effects. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

“The keys to success are to understand both the physical and behavioral demands on the horse and ways that we can help stallions overcome these challenges when transitioning from competition to breeding,” explained Steve Brinsko, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, professor and associate department head for academic programs at Texas A&M University’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.

He noted time and patience are essential factors when breeding a retired athlete or a stallion in competition.

“When breeding a retired athlete, such as a Thoroughbred racehorse, the novice stallion should arrive at the new facility at least 90 days before breeding,” Brinsko advised. “This will allow the horse to become familiar and comfortable in his new environment and will provide time for stress and performance-enhancing drugs to cease exerting their adverse effects