THE 2012 breeding season promised much.

Stud fees were attractive and there was a buzz around British-bred horses, especially in dressage and show jumping, giving sports horse breeding a real boost.

But the reality was different with many studs reportedly quieter than usual and finding it difficult to get, and then keep, mares in foal. The latter undoubtedly reflected poor and variable weather during the breeding season.

Continuing economic uncertainty and any frustrations from last year should not, however, put owners off sending mares to stud. Olympic success shone a well-deserved spotlight on the owners of team horses, and especially their British breeders, and surely the economy will have recovered by the time 2014's foals hit the market as young horses?

So, how do you make the most of the breeding season? First, my advice is to start early. I have never agreed with the mentality, prevalent among many breeders, of aiming for a summer – rather than spring – foals just because the weather will be better. That certainly wasn't the case last year!

Weather concerns never seem to influence Thoroughbred breeders, with many mares already at, or on their way to, stud. I know this has traditionally reflected the drive to have foals born close to January 1st, but there is also a feeling that mare fertility is strong in the early spring months.

The reproductive cycle of horses means that mares are inactive during the winter and start coming into season in February and March. They have usually settled into a regular 21-day pattern of oestrus by the end of April and this lasts through to October time.

Mares may not necessarily appear in heat during this so-called spring transition period and the time between successive heats may be more or less than 21 days.

But with drugs to manipulate the oestrous cycle and ultrasound scanning to detect oestrus, it can be made easy for mares to conceive during the spring.

Early breeding may also be advisable in mares with uterine problems, such as endometrial cysts and low grade infection/inflammation called endometritis, which get worse with successive reproductive cycles.

Key to breeding success is proper preparation of the mare. She should be in good body condition and have any tests required by the stud together with an examination of reproductive soundness.

Thoroughbred studs have always required blood tests and swabs to confirm freedom from infectious causes of infertility, specifically equine viral arteritis (EVA) and contagious equine metritis (CEM), which are spread during natural covering. Requirements are outlined in the Horserace Betting Levy Boards Codes of Practice (see http://codes.hblb.org.uk).

Also this year, because of fears heightened by UK cases of 'swamp fever' in 2012, many studs are asking for blood tests for equine infectious anaemia (EIA). This and the other tests can be done any time after January 1st and certificates issued are valid for the entire breeding season.

The Codes of Practice include, for the first time, specific guidelines for AI. These describe biosecurity measures that should be in place during collection and handling of semen, as well as testing of stallions for EVA, EIA and CEM. Testing of mares for CEM is also recommended along with advice on safe insemination procedures.

It has, for too long, been assumed that risk of transmission of infection during AI is negligible. This is not the case and the guidelines, while not mandatory, do reflect best practice.

Owners should always discuss with the stud or AI centre what they require in terms of testing before the mare travels.

At the same time it is prudent to evaluate the mare's reproductive health. This starts with inspection of the vulva and examination – using a speculum – of the vagina and cervix.

The lips of the vulva create a seal which guards against faecal matter entering the vagina. In a normal mare, the vulva is vertical and approximately one-third of its length of sits about the pubic shelf, with two-thirds below.

In horses with poor conformation of the vulva more sits above the pubis than below, with the result that the upper lips become dragged forwards. This, in turn, creates a ledge into which faecal matter can fall and cause infection in the vagina.

Mares with poor conformation or tears to the vulva from a previous foaling will benefit from a minor surgical procedure – called a Caslick's – in which the upper lips are sutured in order to recreate an effective seal against faecal contamination.

Pre-breeding check will also visualise the uterus and ovaries using an ultrasound scanner. This is especially important in mares that either failed to conceive last year or are found to be 'empty' despite having previously been scanned in foal.

Endometrial cysts are fluid filled sacs that are visible on or just under the lining of the uterus. They occur in around 20% of mares, are more common in older horses, and can get larger and more numerous as the breeding season progresses.

Small cysts do not usually cause a problem. But if the cysts are large, or if there are several present, they may block sperms from reaching the egg or prevent an embryo developing. They can be easily treated using a laser or cauterisation device through an endoscope.

Any evidence of inflammation or infection of the uterus requires prompt treatment. This will be guided by testing of a swab taken from the uterus, which will identify any bacteria present and which antibiotic should be used to treat infection. A piece of uterine tissue may also be taken for examination under a microscope.

If infection is present, your vet will probably inject the mare to bring her back into season and then inject antibiotics into the uterus for several days.

Combined with saline washes and the drug oxytocin to stimulate uterine clearance, this may allow the mare to be covered or inseminated at that heat. If not, the mare will be bred at the next heat.

Long-term or extensive uterine inflammation may warrant more radical treatment to remove damaged uterine lining and any pus. This is done using physical curettage or lavage with caustic chemicals such as kerosene.

Veterinary management of breeding mares is continually improving and, with early and correct treatment, likelihood of pregnancy is high.

Even though some measures may seem radical, they are often necessary for mares where all else has failed and this is their last chance.