Breeding Tracking

HorseBook covers the full mare reproduction workflow — from the first observed heat cycle through foaling and progeny registration. This guide walks through each stage in order.

Overview

The breeding workflow follows these stages:

1. Heat cycles — log estrus observations and follicle development
2. Breeding — record the breeding event with method and stallion details
3. Pregnancy checks — track ultrasound results and fetal development
4. Foaling — monitor due date windows and record the foaling
5. Progeny — create the foal's record linked to dam and sire

Both the web dashboard and iOS app support the full reproduction workflow. The web is best for managing multiple mares and reviewing history; the iOS app is ideal for logging observations while you're at the barn.

Step 1: Log Heat Cycles

Tracking estrus activity is the foundation of breeding management. Each heat cycle record captures what you observed and when.

On Web

1. Go to the mare's profile
2. Navigate to the Reproduction section
3. Click Add Heat Cycle
4. Fill in the observation details:
   • Date of observation
   • Follicle size (mm)
   • Uterine edema score
   • Drug administered (if applicable — Regumate, prostaglandin, etc.)
   • Notes on behavior and physical signs
5. Save the record

On iOS

1. Open the mare's profile
2. Tap Reproduction
3. Tap Add Heat Cycle
4. Enter the same observation details
5. Save

Step 2: Record Breeding

When you breed the mare, log the event with method, stallion, and semen details.

1. Go to the mare's Reproduction section
2. Click/tap Add Breeding Record
3. Fill in:
   • Date of breeding
   • Breeding method — live cover, fresh AI, cooled AI, frozen AI, ICSI, embryo transfer, or natural pasture
   • Stallion — select from your contacts or enter a new stallion name
   • Semen details (for AI methods) — straw/dose ID, motility, concentration
   • Notes — anything relevant about the breeding
4. Save the record

The breeding date anchors all subsequent pregnancy tracking, including days post-breeding calculations and foaling window estimates.

Step 3: Track Pregnancy Checks

After breeding, pregnancy checks confirm the pregnancy and monitor fetal development. Each check is recorded with its relationship to the breeding date.

1. Go to the mare's Reproduction section
2. Click/tap Add Pregnancy Check
3. Fill in:
   • Date of the check
   • Days post-breeding (auto-calculated from the breeding date)
   • Result — positive, negative, or recheck needed
   • Heartbeat detected — yes or no (typically first detected around day 25)
   • Twins — if twin vesicles were detected, record the finding and management plan
   • Notes — vesicle size, position, vet observations
4. Save the record

Typical Check Schedule

• Day 14-16 — first ultrasound to confirm pregnancy
• Day 25-30 — check for heartbeat and twins
• Day 45 — confirm ongoing pregnancy
• Day 60-90 — optional recheck
• Day 300+ — pre-foaling check

Step 4: Monitor Foaling Windows

Once pregnancy is confirmed, HorseBook calculates foaling due date windows based on the breeding date:

These dates appear on your calendar automatically and show up as attention items on the dashboard as they approach.

Step 5: Record Foaling

When the mare foals, log the event with details about the delivery and foal.

1. Go to the mare's Reproduction section
2. Click/tap Record Foaling
3. Fill in:
   • Date and time of foaling
   • Presentation — normal (anterior), posterior, dystocia, or other
   • Complications — retained placenta, mare injury, weak foal, or none
   • Foal details — sex, color, markings
   • Notes — any observations about the delivery
4. Save the record

Step 6: Create Progeny Record

After recording the foaling, create a record for the new foal:

1. From the foaling record, tap/click Create Progeny Record
2. HorseBook pre-fills the foal's details from the foaling record:
   • Dam — linked to the mare
   • Sire — linked from the breeding record
   • Date of birth — from the foaling date
   • Sex and color — from the foaling record
3. Add the foal's barn name
4. Save to create the foal's own horse profile

The foal now has its own full profile with the parentage already linked. You can add medical records, documents, and other details just like any other horse in your account.

Reviewing Breeding History

The mare's Reproduction section shows a complete timeline of all breeding activity:

• Heat cycles in chronological order
• Breeding events with method and stallion
• Pregnancy check results
• Foaling records
• Linked progeny

This history carries over from year to year, giving you a complete breeding record for the life of the mare.