According to the recent issue of Hoof Beats, more mares were bred in 2020 compared to 2019. The report said as of Nov. 12, 2020, a total of 12,229 mares were bred to 623 stallions compared to 11,513 in 2019. The increase reflects more than a six percent increase year over year. The trend estimates an additional 1,500 mares will be added to the total for 2020 by the end of the year.
Glide Sally Glide poses with her new foal by Dover Dan, last spring. The USTA just reported an increase in mares bred in 2020 compared to 2019. (Photo by Dr. Alan White)
On the list, Indiana was ranked second for number of mares bred with 2,497. Ohio led the way with 2,860 mares bred. Other top five states included Pennsylvania (2,216), New York (1,181) and Illinois (997).
Indiana is also ranked second for number of mares in the state with 2,334 registered for the Hoosier State. Once again, Ohio leads the way with 2,530 with Pennsylvania ranked third with 2,054.
The Hoof Beats article also mentioned five years ago, foal crops had been going down. The breeding operations seem to be rebounding due to purse structures at numerous tracks in North America.
With the arrival of 2021 will also be the arrival of the new Stallion Directory. The directory went to press in mid-November but due to COVID-19 issues placing delays on the US Postal Service, the arrival of the stallion directory may be delayed in reaching homes. Delays are also being experienced with the ISA Magazine as well as Hoof Beats and other harness-related publications.