Article 2 - Over the Fence with Catherine McCall - A Springtime Message
by Catherine A. McCall
At this time of year, we are foaling out mares and seeing that they are successfully rebred. I talk daily with several people from all over the country. I recently got a call from a good friend who shared her frustrated feelings concerning breeding to a National Champion stallion and the lack of success she was having at great cost. I took her experience as an opportunity to examine how I can better service my mare owners. The following is an example of my experience as a stallion owner.
I went across town to a client's house to meet the vet for a pregnancy check on a maiden mare. The woman had called me days before, trying to get organized before she left for a trip to Hawaii . She was in a pre-trip panic, feeling guilty for leaving her mares and asking me if I would help handle the ordering of semen because this mare could be difficult to settle. She breeds Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. She assumed that she would have to inseminate several times. Like almost all of the mares that Moon breeds, "Echo" is pregnant on the first insemination.
I am so proud of the team that makes this all happen. I praise Raleighs Full Moon for his major part. I hand it to the vets for their timing and deft handling of the cycling mares. Finally, I am grateful to Dr. Richard McCormick and the team at Valley Animal Hospital for their efficient handling of Moon and quick response in shipping. More than even the resulting foals, I am proud that this team is working so well together, to save the client money, save the mare from continued intervention and to start the experience off right.
It is pretty amazing to think that the big named stallions can get so much money for their stud fees and breeding fees and not have someone in charge of working with clients to handle their frustrations. I consider myself blessed to be able to hold hands, or hooves, and get to know each client and every golden foal that is born.
~ Catherine A. McCall