Artificial insemination (AI) has transformed equine breeding, offering breeders greater flexibility, improved biosecurity, and access to the finest genetics — whether the stallion is stabled next door or located on the other side of the world. At Avonvale Equine Vet Practice, our experienced team provides comprehensive AI services to give your mare the very best chance of a successful, healthy pregnancy.
Avonvale Equine is a BEVA AI Approved Practice, meaning you can be confident that our services meet the highest standards set by the British Equine Veterinary Association.
Artificial insemination is the process of collecting semen from a stallion and depositing it directly into a mare's uterus during her fertile period, removing the need for live cover. The procedure is performed under carefully controlled conditions to maximise sperm viability and optimise timing relative to ovulation.
AI can be carried out using three types of semen:
? Fresh semen — used immediately after collection; ideal when the stallion is on site or close by.
? Chilled semen — transported in specialist containers and used within 24–48 hours; suitable for UK and European stallions.
? Frozen semen — stored indefinitely in liquid nitrogen; opens up access to international genetics and can be used at any time.
Each approach has its own advantages depending on your breeding goals, the stallion's location, and your mare's reproductive history. Our vets are happy to discuss which is most appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Access to elite genetics. AI removes geographical barriers entirely, allowing you to select from the finest stallions in the UK and internationally without the cost or stress of transporting your mare.
Improved biosecurity. Live cover carries a risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections between horses. AI significantly reduces this risk, as semen is tested and processed before use.
Reduced injury risk. Covering can be physically demanding and occasionally hazardous. AI eliminates this risk for both mare and stallion.
Precise timing. Using ultrasound monitoring and ovulation-inducing hormones, our vets can time insemination accurately to maximise conception rates at each cycle.
Efficient use of high-value semen. A single collection can yield enough semen to inseminate multiple mares, making premium genetics more accessible to a wider range of breeders.
We offer a full suite of reproductive services, carried out at our partner facility Lynwood Stud in Warwickshire and, where appropriate, at your own yard. Whether you are a first-time breeder or managing an established stud, our team can support you at every stage.
? Reproductive examinations — Pre-breeding assessments including ultrasound scanning, uterine culture and cytology.
? Cycle monitoring — Regular ultrasound scans to track follicular development and time insemination for maximum effect.
? Fresh and chilled semen AI — Insemination coordinated with your chosen stallion stud using freshly collected or couriered chilled semen.
? Frozen semen AI — Specialist insemination with post-thaw motility assessment and optimised timing around ovulation.
? Ovulation induction — Use of hCG or deslorelin to trigger ovulation at a predictable time, reducing the number of scans required.
? Early pregnancy diagnosis — Scanning from day 14–16 post-insemination, including twin detection and reduction where needed.
? Management of the pregnant mare — Ongoing veterinary support throughout gestation, including EHV vaccination and pre-foaling checks.
? Post-foaling care — Assessment of mare and foal following delivery, including IgG testing and early health checks for the newborn.
? Equine infertility investigation — Detailed investigation and tailored treatment protocols for mares with a history of breeding difficulty.
Led by our breeding specialist: Our breeding services team is led by Naomi de Pennington, RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine, supported by our experienced team of equine vets and vet nurses.
The AI process typically begins in spring as mares transition from winter anoestrus into their natural breeding season. Your mare will first be examined to confirm she is cycling normally and free from uterine disease. We will then monitor her cycle with regular ultrasound scans, usually every 24–48 hours as she approaches ovulation.
Once a dominant follicle reaches an appropriate size, an ovulation-inducing agent is administered and insemination scheduled accordingly. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes and is well tolerated by most mares. A follow-up scan at 14–16 days will confirm whether pregnancy has been established.
For mares with a history of reproductive problems — such as endometritis, delayed uterine clearance or previous breeding failure — our vets will develop a tailored protocol to give them the best possible chance of success.
If you would like to discuss your mare's breeding requirements or arrange an initial reproductive examination, please contact our practice team. We are happy to advise breeders of all levels — from individual owners wanting a single foal to commercial stud operations.
Phone: 01295 670501
Email: reception@avonvaleequine.co.uk
Address: The Churns, Home Farm Drive, Upton, Banbury, OX15 6HU
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. 24-hour emergency line available.
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