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Race Horse

The Secrets of Racehorse Breeding: Strategies and Processes Behind a Champion’s Birth!

Yani Sondakh, horse breeder at Humaira Stable

SARGA.CO – Behind the thunderous gallop of a racehorse on the track lies a long and carefully calculated process that begins even before the horse is born. One of the most crucial steps is the breeding process—an intricate phase requiring precision, strategy, and significant financial investment.

Yani Sondakh, a breeder at Humaira Stable, shares the often-unseen side of racehorse reproduction with SARGA.CO.

“The most important thing is observing the mare’s heat. A stallion can still mate even if he doesn’t visibly show signs of arousal. But if the mare isn’t in her fertile period, the chances of success are slim,”
Yani explained in a recent conversation with the SARGA.CO team.

SARGA.CO

SARGA.CO

According to Yani, the mare’s first heat isn’t actually the ideal time to mate. Breeders must wait for the optimal fertility window to increase the likelihood of conception.

“If you mate her during the first heat, there’s a 90 percent chance it won’t take,” he clarified.

Safety During the Breeding Process

Interestingly, during the mating process, certain parts of the horse’s body are tied—this isn’t without reason. “Mares often feel uneasy and may kick during mating. That can be dangerous for the stallion. So, we tie the mare’s legs for safety,” said Yani.

Safety During the Breeding Process
“The tail is also tied to avoid interference during the mating process.”

“The tail is also tied to avoid interference during the mating process.”

Yani added.

High Costs and Strict Administration

In addition to strategic planning, the costs associated with racehorse breeding can be staggering. For KPI (Indonesian Racehorse) mares—crossbreeds between local horses and imported Thoroughbreds—the breeding fee can reach Rp15 million per session. If the stallion is a full-blooded imported Thoroughbred, the fee can be significantly higher.

High Costs and Strict Administration

But it doesn’t stop there. Once breeding is successful and the mare gives birth, the stallion’s owner must issue a mating certificate—a formal document detailing the date and identities involved in the breeding.

This certificate is required to register the foal’s birth with the Indonesian Stud Book (SBI), the official registry for racehorse pedigrees and births.

“This is crucial for maintaining the quality and authenticity of the horse’s bloodline. Everything must be properly recorded,” Yani emphasized.

Horse Racing

From Stable to Racetrack

Given the complexity and discipline of the process, it’s no surprise that the birth of a top-tier racehorse is seen as a significant achievement. It all starts in the stable, not on the racetrack.
Behind every great racehorse is the hard work of breeders, strategic breeding plans, and meticulous documentation that cannot be overlooked.

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