A breeding soundness exam helps veterinarians determine whether a mare is physically ready to conceive and carry a foal. During the exam, a veterinarian evaluates the mare’s overall health, reproductive tract, and hormone status to identify any potential issues before breeding. Jenna Ward, DVM, Dipl. ACT, of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square describes the typical equine breeding soundness exam and the ideal age to breed a mare in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This is an excerpt from our Ask TheHorse Live podcast, "Mare Reproductive Problems." Listen to the full recording here.