Choose parents for a reason
A breeding pair should be chosen for the outcome you want, not just the highest single stat. Compare both parents’ current ability, potential ranges, confidence, personality and appearance. A foal can inherit a combination of parental colouring, white markings and personality, but there is no confirmed formula that guarantees an exact result.
If you want a competition prospect, look at the relevant strength and endurance potential. If appearance is the goal, compare coat, markings and build. If temperament is the issue, do not assume that one calm parent removes an inherited quirk.
Pregnancy and foal timing
Pregnancy lasts eight in-game days. The mare can work normally for the first half. Riding is unavailable during the second half; lunging remains possible, but it gives no strength or endurance gains during that period.
After birth, the foal becomes a yearling four days later. Adulthood begins at age 12. A nursing mare can be bred again, but check her condition and your available space first.
What you can and cannot preview
An advanced breeding laboratory can preview possible foal characteristics and support more stud services. Use it to compare options, not as a promise that the previewed combination will be the exact foal you receive.
The important limits are:
- Potential ranges are estimates, not guaranteed final stats.
- Appearance can combine parental features without following a published ratio.
- Personality and quirks can make a horse harder to handle even when its stats look good.
- A high-value parent does not guarantee a high-value foal.
Build a breeding plan
- Decide whether the goal is competition, appearance, temperament or sale value.
- Compare both parents on the same criteria.
- Reserve enough stable or yearling space for the foal.
- Keep the mare’s condition and workload under control during pregnancy.
- Train the foal according to its actual potential rather than the parent you hoped it would copy.
Do not sell a promising foal before you have seen how its stats and temperament develop. Early potential is useful information, but it is not the finished horse.