In an in-depth interview, Brianne Goutal – an international show jumper representing the USA with solid experience in the sport – offers us a direct and honest insight into the world of modern horse breeding. Here’s what she shared with us.

A Realistic View on Today’s Breeding

Brianne notes that breeding in the United States today is particularly challenging: costs are increasingly prohibitive, fresh semen stallions are hard to find, and specialized expertise is rare.

Many Americans choose to breed in Europe to ensure that their horses grow up properly and develop well during their early years in sport.

Although she knows the selection process very well (from choosing the stallion to embryo transfer and auctions), she has occasionally purchased foals at auction for herself or her clients. However, she prefers buying older horses, as more is known about them:
“Instead of buying foals at auction, it would be nice to breed, creating a bond with the mare; certainly, the market today offers a much higher quality of female lines and breeding overall compared to a few years ago.”

💡 Buying Frozen Embryos and Pregnancies: Yes or No?

When asked whether she would consider buying an embryo or pregnancy from a top mare and stallion at auction, she responds:
“I admit I would consider it, but I’ve never done it. I would definitely keep it in Europe to grow up, and then bring it home once it’s ready to compete at the highest level.”

👑 Influential Broodmares? Better to Know Them Well!

Brianne admits she doesn’t follow the world of broodmares closely, although she recognizes how essential their genetic contribution is:
“The mare is more important than the stallion, but it’s not a fair comparison – a stallion can produce far more offspring.”

Together, we looked at the ELVO broodmare catalog and the bloodlines currently present in Italy:
“Life in Italy is good, the climate is fantastic, and so are the people – it’s beautiful for holidays. I don’t know the Italian market well, but I do acknowledge that there have been some important successes. Without a doubt, it would be beneficial to bring it in line with the Northern European market.”

🌟 Favorite Stallions

Brianne has clear preferences when it comes to stallions:

From the Elvo Stallions program, she would choose:

• Amaretto D’Arco

• Apardi

• Vingino

• Ermitage Kalone

From the global scene:

• Toulon – his offspring have good temperament and balance

• Cassalco – produces horses with great scope

• Comme Il Faut – his progeny are quick and very focused

• Thunder van de Zuuthoeve – known for their good minds, balance, and attentiveness

As for her own breeding program, she has already chosen Uricas VD Kattevennen.

What does she look for in a young sport horse, and what qualities should both mare and stallion pass on?
Three key traits: balance, technique, and bravery.

🧬 Bloodline Influence? With Caution

Although she doesn’t consider herself an expert on pedigrees, Brianne states:
“I’m more discouraged than attracted by bloodlines. A good horse can come from any pedigree, but I tend to avoid certain lines like direct Cornet Obolensky and Balou du Rouet.”

🇪🇺 Interest in European Genetics

At the moment, Brianne breeds in France and has already used stallions such as Casallco, Comme Il Faut, and Uricas. She’s curious to discover which other stallions might suit her mares – and why not, to explore some important female lines to add to her breeding program.