Australia is the second largest breeder of thoroughbred racehorses in the world, with 20,400 mares and 580 breeding stallions. Many overseas investors come to purchase Australian horses from the sales in the hopes of purchasing a 'winning' horse. These horses are often exported overseas to then be trained and raced in foreign countries.

Exports of Australian Thoroughbreds. Source: AgriFutures

Breeding

The 'official' breeding season commences on September 1 each year, from this point mares are mated or 'covered by' stallions. Mares are often taken to stud farms for mating, sometimes even across state.  On average 13,000 foals are born into the racing industry every year.

The stallion farm is paid a 'service fee' by the mare owner which ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $200,000. On average, a stallion is made to cover up to 30 mares in one breeding season, however the more sought-after stallions can be made to cover up to 200 mares in one breeding season.

Breeding and Racing Season Chart. Source: Australian Stud Book

All thoroughbred horses share the same birthday; August 1. For this reason, breeders want horses born as close to this date as possible to ensure when they get to racing age (2 years old), they are as true to 2 years old as possible. This is done so they are not at a disadvantage on the track. Some breeders even utilise artificial light and hormone injections to induce cycling of mares so that they are born at the desired time.

Nanny Mares

Nanny mares, or nurse mares, are mares that are used to raise orphaned foals of thoroughbreds whose mothers cannot look after them due to injury, illness or death. It is unknown what happens to the nanny mares' own foal.

Separation of foals

Foals are handled by humans at an early age to ensure they are conditioned for sales and training. Foals under a year can be caught, led and haltered for this purpose.

Foals are generally fully weaned; separated from their mothers between 5 and 7 months old, although naturally weaning would begin at around 9-11 months. At this stage stud farms begin to accustom horses to having their feet and legs handled and being tied up and confined.