Home |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Equine Breeding
Do you offer tours?
We do offer multiple driven tours of the ranch throughout the week, led by experienced guides! Mare owners who are interested in breeding to one of our on-site stallions can set up an appointment to view stallions through the front office at (806) 596-4424.
What is the Chute/Farm Fee and what does the fee cover?
The Chute Fee is what the ranch gets for:
- Stallion collection-
- Supplies used to collect the stallion
- Semen processing software
- Staff to handle the stallion
- Teasing the mare and collection
- Working up your order-
- Staff to prep semen boxes
- Logistics company to ensure delivery of time-sensitive semen, label printing, etc.
- Drafting and processing the breeding contract
- Setting up your account (address, billing, mare(s), and shipping)
- Software and staff to track-
- Mare status
- Breeding dates to ensure your foal can be registered
- Time involved in completing the stallion breeding report
- Please see the Explanation of Breeding Charges (Repro Services page) for more information on breeding billing.
Can I use my FedEx or UPS Account for shipping?
No. Shipping and handling are included in the shipping fees. This fee includes shipping, the box, syringes, icepacks, card stock for labels, software for drafting labels, and staff for the shipping label and packaging.
What days do you ship semen?
We collect on ship Monday – Wednesday – Friday. Here is a link to the printable calendar and our online calendar.
Do you offer recipient mares?
Yes, we have a large herd of recipient mares available.
Can I reserve a recipient mare?
The ranch does have a large recipient herd however reservations are not taken in advance. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please call the office (806) 596-4424 to inquire about availability.
Are there any discounts on breeding to proven mares?
Discounts for proven mares are determined on a stallion-by-stallion basis. This will typically be advertised but we encourage you to call (806) 596-4424 to inquire.
What is a rebreed and how long do I have to use it?
A rebreed comes from a live foal guarantee. It is when the mare may be bred to the stallion the next immediate breeding season.
What does live foal guarantee mean?
Live foal guarantee is when the foal is born and stands to nurse within 24 hours of delivery. If the foal does not stand and nurse, and dies within the 24-hour period, we may issue a rebreed. We require a letter from your veterinarian stating what happened.
My mare is not in foal, what are my options?
- You may rebreed the next breeding season, or
- You may request a refund of the breeding fee, less the chute fee ($650).
Note: Refunds also depend on what type of contract you have. If you have a Rebreed or Complimentary Breeding contract, you will not be eligible for a refund.
ICSI
What is ICSI?
ICSI stands for Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is the process of aspirating oocytes from the mare and injecting them with one sperm cell (preserving the stallion semen for years to come). The embryo must then be incubated for cleaving and embryo development to occur. Once mature, the embryo is either vitrified (frozen) or transferred into a recipient.
How much does ICSI cost?
Anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000. This cost will vary depending on the service provider. Please visit this link to learn more.
Do you do ICSI at the 6666 Ranch?
We do not offer ICSI services on the ranch currently. We can help facilitate ICSI services as we work with multiple respected ICSI laboratories. We can also receive the vitrified or fresh embryo (depending on timing and recipient situation). Please visit this link to learn more about ICSI providers.
Frozen Semen
Will you ship frozen semen after you stop collecting?
Yes. Please contact the office at (806) 596-4424 to inquire.
What is the cost for shipping frozen?
The 2024 cost is $355. This includes handling fee, tank lease, and pre-paid tank delivery and return.
Shipments to Canada Overnight FedEx Express are $450. The USDA Health Certificate is included.
Are there any “don’ts” when breeding with frozen semen?
Do not breed during a foal heat. Older mares (age 17 and up) usually do not do well with frozen semen.
How many straws are in a dose of frozen semen?
Eight (8) straws are in a dose.
How many doses are in a frozen shipment?
There are usually two (2) doses per mare, depending on the stallion.
Can cooled semen be put in the freezer and used when I need it?
No. Frozen semen requires specific processing and freezing to maintain the integrity of the semen and semen quality.
Foal Registration
How do I register my foal?
Call the Four Sixes Ranch at (806) 596-4424 to request a breeder’s certificate. We can release it online or by mail.
Per AQHA: You must register foals within two (2) years after a stallion is castrated or dies. If you have frozen embryos that are from the 2015 breeding season or after, you have two (2) calendar years to register after that stallion is castrated or dies.
What do I do after you have released a breeder’s certificate online?
You will need to set up an online account with AQHA. Once you have created your online account and login, it will give you an option to link your AQHA number. After you link your ID number, you can go to the AQHA services page, click on registration, and enter the foal’s information. Once you have filled in all the information and checked out, that registration will go to AQHA for processing. If you have any questions, please call AQHA’s Membership & Web Navigation Department.
