- Unless your stallion has a behavioral or physical problem that makes it hard to mount a mare or puts the mare in jeopardy, you can get by without a phantom (breeding dummy). 

To collect your stallion you would prepare the mare (which would need to be in a standing heat) and the stallion as though you were going to hand breed. This should include cleaning his penis and washing the mare’s perennial area and anywhere else his penis may come in contact with. You would then restrain her the way you usually do to breed naturally. If you don’t use breeding hobbles, I strongly recommend using a method that would at least restrain her left hind foot. This is where the person collecting the stallion will be positioned and may easily be kicked.

You would now proceed as usual with the breeding, only instead of penetrating the mare, the stallion will be deflected into an artificial vagina. At this point, if all has gone well, your stallion has been collected.

So why do people use phantoms? As I mentioned earlier sometimes it may be that the stallion has been injured in the hind legs or back making it hard for him to mount a mare. A phantom can be made at a comfortable height and does not move, making it easier for him to mount.

Some stallions may even develop behavioral problems where they may savage or strike the mare. With a breeding phantom the stallion and mare would be at less risk.   Also, the collector is at less risk with a phantom.  I can't tell you how many times the mare has stepped on me as she was moving around during collecting.

However, I feel the main reason for installing a phantom is convenience. With a phantom you can train your stallion to mount it without a mare in heat. For people with only a few mares on their farm or ranch this makes it much easier if a client calls needing a shipment. You won’t have to worry whether you have a mare in heat or not.

Larger ranches may just find it more cost effective and easier for management. They would save time by not needing to prepare a mare every time they needed to collect.

All in all it comes down to what’s right for you and your stallion. Stallion Management Services has phantoms in a variety of colors with a removable, easy to clean, vinyl cover. Prices start at just $750.    Just click on phantoms to see a list of phantoms and other reproductive supplies.

    - Chris Michelson ©1999

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