As 2023 draws to a close, we have taken a little time to look back on the year at West Kington Stud. Despite some interesting challenges from the British weather, the breeding season proved to be our busiest yet, with the safe arrival of 50 beautiful foals onsite. In addition to the foalings, we had a good number of both maiden and experienced mares through for successful insemination with Fresh, Chilled & Frozen semen & for Embryo Transfer, and we look forward to hearing about their progress in the coming months.
Our stallion line-up for 2023 saw the welcome return of our wonderful old friend, Billy Congo from The Billy Stud. Congo was used on some high class mares, with breeders recognising his exceptional performance record and the success of his progeny. The Billy Stud also sent us a very exciting 3yo stallion named Billy Reflection. This son of Grandorado TN is a striking, modern stamp of a sport horse who we are sure will be very popular as a sire in the future.
We were also joined by John Chambers’ lovely Thoroughbred, Ansiei, for the first time. With his progeny already competing internationally up to 4* level in Ireland, Ansiei is an exciting choice for eventing breeders and was a very welcome addition to our line-up. Continue reading
A: (Chris Shepherd) We’re sometimes a little bit selective when we’re working with frozen semen or advising clients which mares to use. We try to avoid so-called ‘problem’ mares, who’ve had issues getting in foal in previous years. Although conception rates with frozen semen are equally as good as chilled, if not better (and the statistics confirm that), we have to admit that there are various reasons why, for problem mares, it can be more useful to use fresh semen (i.e. semen collected and inseminated into the mare within an hour or two). So, as far as our selection goes for suitable candidates for frozen semen, mares of an appropriate age and with an appropriate breeding history is really what we’re looking for.
