About
EquineMate was established and continues to be managed by Charlotte Morgan.
Founded with the vision of helping the British Breeding industry to improve the quality and commercial appeal of British bred horses across the International market.
After studying for a degree in Equine Science and specialising in the fields of genetics and biomechanics, Charlotte went on to gain practical experience of breeding and stock selection at a number of showjumping, eventing, racing and sports pony studs. Developing her own selection methods that combine the 'art and science' of breeding, Charlotte analyses pedigree, breeding lines, conformation and soundness to recommend pairings in line with your breeding goals and budget.
The Art and Science of Breeding
When looking to breed their mare, many owners will review top performing stallions within their breed or discipline. Considering the level he graded, competitive performance of the stallion and his offspring and the bloodlines of the proposed breeding pair should help to refine the number of stallion options. However, while this method for stallion selection can work well when the stallion is known, it is based on performance and not physical compatibility for a given mare. There are also limitations with this method of selection when considering young stallions, those new to a sport or a pairing where full pedigree is unknown.
With many breeders looking to maximise the likelihood of achieving their breeding goals, genetics testing has risen in popularity in recent years. Most frequently, testing is used for breeding horses to confirm coat colour genetics or ensure the absence of genetic diseases but for trotting breeds and racing Thoroughbreds genetics testing is available for gait. With foal and youngstock, genetics testing is often carried out for parentage testing or DNA profiling when the horse is registered with a stud book for a passport.
The physical conformation traits of a horse are also inherited from its Dam and Sire. Each conformational trait has a heritability value; a percentage that denotes the genetic influence of that trait (nature vs. nurture). EquineMate considers performance and pedigree but also compares the mare’s conformation against the traits desired for the breed or discipline specified in the breeder’s goal. Evaluating the mare’s conformational strengths and weaknesses against the heritability value of those traits, a short list of stallions that will enhance the mare’s offering is then produced.