FAQ - 6666 Stallions

General Equine Breeding

Do you offer tours?

We do offer multiple driven tours of the ranch throughout the week, led by experienced guides! Mare owners who are interested in breeding to one of our on-site stallions can set up an appointment to view stallions HERE.

What is the Chute/Farm Fee and what does the fee cover?

The Chute Fee is what the ranch gets for:

Stallion collection-
- Supplies used to collect the stallion
- Semen processing software
- Staff to handle the stallion
- Teasing the mare and collection
Working up your order-
- Staff to prep semen boxes
- Logistics company to ensure delivery of time-sensitive semen, label printing, etc.
Drafting and processing the breeding contract
Setting up your account (address, billing, mare(s), and shipping)
Software and staff to track-
- Mare status
- Breeding dates to ensure your foal can be registered
- Time involved in completing the stallion breeding report
Please see the Explanation of Breeding Charges (Repro Services page) for more information on breeding billing.

Can I use my FedEx or UPS Account for shipping?

No. Shipping and handling are included in the shipping fees. This fee includes shipping, the box, syringes, icepacks, card stock for labels, software for drafting labels, and staff for the shipping label and packaging.

What days do you ship semen?

We collect on ship Monday – Wednesday – Friday. Here is a link to the printable calendar.

Do you offer recipient mares, and can I reserve one?

The Four Sixes offers a large recipient mare herd to the public. We recommend reserving a recipient through an embryo transfer contract to ensure that a recipient will remain available for your embryo throughout the season. We will furnish any unreserved recipients on a first come first serve basis.

Are there any discounts on breeding to proven mares?

Discounts for proven mares are determined on a stallion-by-stallion basis. This will typically be advertised but we encourage you to call (806) 386-1911 to inquire.

What is a rebreed and how long do I have to use it?

A rebreed is a one-time return breeding privilege. The mare may be bred multiple times within the original breeding year under the initial contract. If those breedings do not result in a confirmed pregnancy, or if the mare produces a foal that is born dead or dies within 24 hours of birth, a rebreed will be issued. The rebreed must be used during the breeding season immediately following the original contract year or it is forfeited.

My mare is not in foal, what are my options?

You may rebreed the next breeding season, or
You may request a refund of the breeding fee, less the chute fee ($650).

Note: Refunds also depend on what type of contract you have. If you have a Rebreed or Complimentary Breeding contract, you will not be eligible for a refund.

ICSI

What is ICSI?

ICSI stands for Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is the process of aspirating oocytes from the mare and injecting them with one sperm cell (preserving the stallion semen for years to come). The embryo must then be incubated for cleaving and embryo development to occur. Once mature, the embryo is either vitrified (frozen) or transferred into a recipient.

How much does ICSI cost?

Anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000. This cost will vary depending on the service provider. Please visit this link to learn more.

Do you do ICSI at the 6666 Ranch?

We do not offer ICSI services on the ranch currently. We can help facilitate ICSI services as we work with multiple respected ICSI laboratories. We can also receive the vitrified or fresh embryo (depending on timing and recipient situation). Please visit this link to learn more about ICSI providers.

Frozen Semen

Will you ship frozen semen after you stop collecting?

Yes. Please contact the office at (806) 386-1911 to inquire.

What is the cost for shipping frozen semen?

The 2024 cost is $355. This includes handling fee, tank lease, and pre-paid tank delivery and return.

Shipments to Canada Overnight FedEx Express are $450. The USDA Health Certificate is included.

How do you breed a mare with frozen semen?

Please see Steps to Placing a Frozen Semen Order.

Are there any "don'ts" when breeding with frozen semen?

Do not breed during a foal heat. Older mares (age 17 and up) usually do not do well with frozen semen.

How many straws are in a dose of frozen semen?

Eight (8) straws are in a dose.

How many doses are in a frozen shipment?

There are usually two (2) doses per mare, depending on the stallion.

Can cooled semen be put in the freezer and used when I need it?

No. Frozen semen requires specific processing and freezing to maintain the integrity of the semen and semen quality.

Foal Registration

How do I register my foal?

Call the Four Sixes Ranch at (806) 386-1911 to request a breeder’s certificate. We can release it online or by mail.

Per AQHA: You must register foals within two (2) years after a stallion is castrated or dies. If you have frozen embryos that are from the 2015 breeding season or after, you have two (2) calendar years to register after that stallion is castrated or dies.

What do I do after you have released the breeder's certificate online?

You will need to set up an online account with AQHA. Once you have created your online account and login, it will give you an option to link your AQHA number. After you link your ID number, you can go to the AQHA services page, click on registration, and enter the foal’s information. Once you have filled in all the information and checked out, that registration will go to AQHA for processing. If you have any questions, please call AQHA’s Membership & Web Navigation Department.

Frequently Asked

QUESTIONS