This book is a concise, practical and easy to read guide to breeding a first foal. Written by Jane Skepper, who has years of experience in the breeding industry, it covers all aspects from selecting a stallion and preparing the mare for stud, along with every physiological aspect such as getting a mare in foal, through to foaling, foal care and weaning.

The chapters concerning preparing the mare for stud are particularly useful covering the stud's requirements including paperwork, swabs, health issues and payment. Sound advice is given on how to care for the mare before, during and after foaling with useful hints on how to prepare and the equipment required.

The book is clearly laid out with superb colour photographs and diagrams (although the breeding cycle diagrams were slightly confusing). It covers everything the mare owner needs to know without overburdening them with technical jargon and includes some very useful charts and summaries throughout. This book is essential reading for the first time or small breeder and can easily be read within an evening. It doesn't provide the depth of information required by higher education students but would make an excellent introduction to the subject for FD/BHS or NVQ students.

Fay Allan
HNC Equine Studies, Warwickshire College