Large Animal
Equine Reproductive Services in Lincoln, AR
Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, where we offer equine reproductive services and consultation as part of our large animal care for horse owners in Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and everywhere in between.
Understanding Equine Reproductive Services
Breeding a mare is a big investment of time, money and hope. Whether you’re planning your first foal or managing a small breeding program, good veterinary guidance before, during and after breeding helps you make sound decisions and gives your mare and foal the best possible start.
Our experienced veterinarians assist with pregnancy and problem births, and we can help you think through each stage of the process, from deciding whether a mare is a good breeding candidate to getting ready for foaling.
A consultation is a great place to start if you have questions about your mare’s or stallion’s breeding soundness, the timing of breeding, or what to expect along the way.
What to Expect From an Equine Reproduction Visit
Every breeding plan starts with a conversation. Here’s how we support you from the first visit through foaling:
A Breeding Consultation
We start by talking about your goals, your horse’s history and any past breeding results. A physical exam helps us assess overall health and body condition, which both play a part in fertility.
Planning and Timing
Mares are seasonal breeders, generally cycling during the longer days of spring and summer. Our doctor will discuss timing with you and help you plan a breeding approach that fits your mare, your choice of stallion and your schedule.
Care Through Pregnancy
Once your mare is bred, we can help you plan her care through pregnancy, including nutrition, vaccinations and preparing for foaling.
Foaling Support
If a delivery doesn’t progress normally, call us right away. Our veterinarians assist with problem births, and getting help quickly matters for both mare and foal.
Why Choose Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln for Equine Reproduction
Our equine reproductive services are a good fit for owners breeding a mare for the first time, owners of a mare that has had trouble getting or staying in foal, stallion owners with breeding questions, and anyone expecting a foal who wants a plan in place before the big day.
- Guidance at every stage: From breeding soundness questions to preparing for foaling.
- Help with problem births: Our veterinarians assist with pregnancy and difficult deliveries.
- Farm calls or our facility: We offer large animal ambulatory services by appointment only, along with our fully-equipped on-site large animal facility.
- Experience across species: Our team also offers cattle reproductive services, and our reproductive services for dogs include infertility testing, breeding assistance and delivery support.
Because we care for horses alongside cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and other farm animals, we understand how breeding fits into the bigger picture of running a farm. Learn more about our food animal and equine medicine, or visit our large animal services page to see everything we offer for horses and livestock.
Schedule an Equine Reproduction Consultation Today
Give your mare and foal the best possible start with guidance from Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln. Tell us a little about your mare or stallion, your breeding goals and any past breeding history so we can plan the visit.
Call us at (479) 824-3299 or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm.
Equine Reproductive Services and Consultation: Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning to breed my mare?
It’s best to start planning well before breeding season. A consultation ahead of time gives us a chance to review your mare’s health, breeding history and body condition, and to talk through your goals. Mares generally cycle during the longer days of spring and summer, and our doctor will discuss the timing that makes sense for your mare.
My mare hasn’t gotten in foal. Can you help?
A consultation is a good first step. Many things can affect a mare’s fertility, including her age, body condition, overall health, the timing of breeding and problems in the reproductive tract. We’ll talk through her history, examine her and discuss next steps, so you can make an informed decision about breeding her again.
What are the signs of trouble during foaling?
Call right away if your mare is straining without making progress, if a red, velvety bag appears instead of the whitish membrane around the foal, if the foal seems to be coming in an abnormal position, or if the mare seems exhausted or in distress. A normal foaling usually moves quickly once active labor starts, so delays deserve a prompt call.
Do you see horses on the farm?
We offer large animal ambulatory services by appointment only, and we also have a fully-equipped on-site large animal facility in Lincoln. If you have an emergency with your animal, and do not have a scheduled farm call, please call us and we will try to accommodate you if possible.
How do I schedule an equine reproduction consultation and what are your hours?
Call Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln at (479) 824-3299 or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. Tell us a little about your mare or stallion, your breeding goals and any past breeding history so we can plan the visit. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm.