Throughout his career Dr. Ed Squires has been given many accolades and received several awards for his numerous contributions to the field of equine reproduction.  Most recently, he was awarded the 2024 Pioneer Award by the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS).  This award is given to recognize individuals who have made seminal contributions to the development of embryo-based technologies. 

The presence of fluid in the mare’s uterus after natural mating or insemination is a normal event that occurs in response to the breeding. This is the result of an inflammatory response that is needed to rid the uterus of any excess sperm or other contaminating agents. The influx of neutrophils (white blood cells) into the mare`s uterus after breeding results in the elimination of sperm, bacteria and other cellular debris and causes the release of prostaglandins, which stimulates uterine contractions. Typically the inflammatory response peaks 12 hours after breeding and by 24 to 48 hours the mares uterus is empty of fluid. However, some mares are more susceptible to prolonged retention of fluid and it may be retained for several days after breeding.

The 2024 SBS Foal Photo Contest is now open for entries! Don't miss your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. The following foal photos are eligible for entry.

Frozen semen offers many advantages to mare owners but it is important to understand that not all frozen semen is the same. You can achieve excellent results with frozen semen IF the semen is of good quality, is provided in adequate numbers and has been processed, stored and shipped properly. All too often mare owners and veterinarians have been disappointed with the results they obtained with frozen semen that may not have been processed properly or was distributed without adhering to strict standards for quality control. The best way for a mare owner to ensure success is to breed to a stallion whose owner or agent is willing to stand behind the product and offer a pregnancy guarantee, just like they would with cooled semen. If that is not the case then make sure that the semen was collected and frozen by a reputable, professional laboratory and that you can obtain objective information about the semen quality. Here are some important questions to ask the stallion owner or semen agent before you sign a contract.