Short-Course: Breeding for a Champion

Breeding for a Champion is one of four online short-courses in the Horse Breeding and Selection Series presented by My Horse University and Dressage Today magazine. Each of the four short courses will take approximately 1-2 hours to complete. As an added bonus, participants will have access to an informative online presentation given by a top equine expert!

Introduction
Many horse owners dream of raising their own champions. To produce exceptional performers, a breeder should center a breeding program on horses that are superior both physically and mentally. There are many breeding management options to choose from based on your goals and some of these options will be discussed in this course. However, the realities of breeding horses are more complicated and time consuming than some realize. All potential breeders should consider expenses, good management practices, selection criteria, and genetics when developing a breeding program.

Course Topics
This course includes specific criteria a horse breeder should consider when breeding a horse. The course begins with management factors a breeder should consider such as time management and costs associated with owning a horse. Next, the course describes several breeding options and selection criteria including conformation and disposition. General information regarding the role of genetics in a breeding program is also detailed.

Online Presentation
In addition to this course, you'll receive access to an online presentation featuring equine expert Dr. John Shelle from Michigan State University. Dr. Shelle is the author of the “Breeding for a Champion” article in the January 2008 Dressage Today magazine.