Many miniature horse breeders have encountered problems when they tried to breed a small stallion to a larger mare. Standing the mare in a depression or at the bottom of a slope doesn't help much, if at all, since the stallion frequently "falls off the bank" at precisely the wrong moment. This easy to build breeding chute is the solution. By removing more dirt from beneath the mare's hind feet, she can be lowered to the proper height. And the "toe stop" prevents the stallion from stepping forward into the hole.

Supplies

Directions

Cut plywood as shown in cutting diagram below. Set 2 fence posts about 14" apart for the back of the breeding chute. Set other 2 fence posts 3' in front of them but a little wider, about 19" apart. These will be the front of the chute (see diagram). Nail plywood chute sides, approximately 16" above the ground, to INSIDE of posts. Cut the fence posts off flush with the top of the plywood, saving the two longest pieces. From the back of the chute, measure out 18". Dig out 3 or 4 inches of dirt from this area. This is where the mare's back feet will be. 18" behind the chute, set the pieces of fence post that you saved. These will hold the toe stop. Nail this in place as shown flush with the ground you've dug out. This is purposely cut much wider than the chute --- center it, even if you have to dig out more dirt for it's width. Back fill behind it (where the stallion will stand) and pack it hard.

For the next step, load your biggest mare into the chute (back her in). Back her until her hocks bump the toe stop. Mark on one side wall the position of the front of her chest, right at the base of her neck. Lead her out and back in the smallest mare you will be breeding in the chute. Mark the front of her chest. Now you know where the holes need to go for the breast bar. Drill your holes in one side, adding a few extra holes for adjustment, then measure and drill matching holes on the opposite side of the chute. Technically, this is all you need. I found it easier to back mares into the chute, however, by adding a guide fence as shown. It is merely a two-board or plywood extension of one chute side. I put mine on the mare's right side. By backing the mare toward this extension, she is gently turned and aimed into the chute without any fuss. It also gives a handy place to tie her if you're breeding alone.

To use the chute, lead the stallion out and tie him nearby (so you don't have to leave the mare in the chute while you go get him), back the mare into place, slide the breast bar in from one side to the other so that it is against her chest. Tie her or have your assistant hold her and lead up the stallion. He can flirt from the side like always, but discourage him from mounting until he is behind her. The chute walls should be low enough that he won't get his feet caught between them and the mare. Once he's finished, remove the breast bar and lead the mare out!

Not all stallions take to the breeding chute the first time. If yours doesn't, tease him with the mare before putting her in the chute. Let him get good and excited. Try to do everything smoothly and quietly --- load the mare as quickly as you can. Also, the first time or two a stallion dismounts in the chute, make sure he backs up enough that his front feet don't land on the wrong side of the toe stop. I've only had this happen once. When it did, I simply walked the mare out and let him follow her rather than trying to back him out.