PREPARING the maiden mare for covering can be a daunting task, and getting both the practical and nutritional management of these mares right will be key to having a successful start to her breeding career.

Maiden mares are often bought in the breeding stock sales late in the year, so the time you have to prepare for covering will be limited. The mare may have been vetted for breeding suitability at the sales and once you have her home it will be a case of settling her into her new life.