Editing Horse breeding (section)

=== Live cover ===

When breeding live cover, the mare is usually boarded at the stud. She may be "teased" several times with a stallion that will not breed to her, usually with the stallion being presented to the mare over a barrier. Her reaction to the [[teaser (animal)|teaser]], whether hostile or passive, is noted. A mare that is in heat will generally tolerate a teaser (although this is not always the case), and may present herself to him, holding her tail to the side. A veterinarian may also determine if the mare is ready to be bred, by ultrasound or palpating daily to determine if ovulation has occurred. Live cover can also be done in liberty on a paddock or on pasture, although due to safety and efficacy concerns, it is not common at professional breeding farms.

When it has been determined that the mare is ready, both the mare and intended stud will be cleaned. The mare will then be presented to the stallion, usually with one handler controlling the mare and one or more handlers in charge of the stallion. Multiple handlers are preferred, as the mare and stallion can be easily separated should there be any trouble.

[[The Jockey Club]], the organization that oversees the [[Thoroughbred]] industry in the United States, requires all registered foals to be bred through live cover.  Artificial insemination, listed below, is not permitted.<ref name="Thoroughbred Rules for Registration">Section V, Rule 1, Part D, [http://www.jockeyclub.com/registry.asp?section=3#one ''The American Stud Book Principal Rules and Requirements.''] ''[[The Jockey Club]]'', 2011. Accessed 2011-02-15.</ref> Similar rules apply in other countries, such as Australia.<ref>See Rule AR.15C, ''Australian Rules of Racing'', which explicitly prohibits human manipulation of the breeding process.</ref>

By contrast, the U.S. [[standardbred horse|standardbred]] industry allows registered foals to be bred by live cover, or by artificial insemination (AI) with fresh or frozen (not dried) semen. No other artificial fertility treatment is allowed. In addition, foals bred via AI of frozen semen may only be registered if the stallion's sperm was collected during his lifetime, and used no later than the calendar year of his death or castration.<ref name="Standardbred AI">Rule 26, Section 6, [http://www.ustrotting.com/pdf/USTARuleBook.pdf  ''Rules and Regulations of the United States Trotting Association 2009.''] ''[[United States Trotting Association]]'', 2009. Accessed 2011-02-15.</ref>