Occasionally we have clients ask us why we breed our fillies at 2 years of age.  I am writing this page to help our website visitors and Gypsy Horse breeders understand this.

     To start with, we at BFSGH do not breed our fillies at 2.  However, many Gypsy people overseas do breed their 2-year olds.  In fact, I cannot recall any Gypsy families who do not allow 2-year-olds to be bred.

     The Gypsy practice of breeding horses at this age goes way back.  It's not so much that the Gypsy breeder goes out of his way to put 2-year olds in foal, but rather that's the result of the way many Gypsy breeders manage their herds.  This type of breeding management has been practiced by Gypsies for longer than we've had horses in the Americas.  So one could say we're a little out of place suggesting to the Gypsies that they're "doing it wrong".  Here in the USA, we don't have to breed our 2-year olds if we don't want to, however, we'd be out of place telling the Gypsies that they shouldn't.

     Considering how widespread the practice is, it is quite likely that the mares you own, or plan to own someday were themselves bred as 2-year olds (foaling at the age of 3).  It's also very possible that one or more of the horses you own is the offspring of a mare bred at 2.

     Many arguments can be made that support the practice of waiting until your mare is 3 or even 4 before breeding her.  Despite this, we cannot immediately conclude that this Gypsy breeding practice is 'Bad'.  In fact, as we look back over the years we've spent with the Gypsy breeders, I cannot say I've seen any higher incidents of foaling or foal-growth problems in foals from mares bred at 2 than I see from older mares.  What we see, is what one might expect given the circumstances..  The Gypsies have created a wonderful breed of horse with many outstanding qualities - among them is the fact that they breed well at a young age.  A quality which has been bred into the breed by decades of nature and natural selection doing what it does best.

     Now I wouldn't run out and start breeding my quarter horses and appaloosas at 2 years old - I'd certainly be asking for trouble.  These breeds don't have that quality which the Gypsy horse possesses (I.E. being able to breed safely at an early age)

     So while it may not be in your plans to breed 2 year olds, it's important to realize that the Gypsy people always have, and will continue to do so - And that the breed has shown little, if any, ill effects from doing so.

     I hope this helps.  Feel free to write or call us if you have any questions concerning the mare or filly you're considering.  We're happy to help.

-BFSGH