Early pregnancy loss in horses is one of those invisible challenges that many breeders and farm owners quietly face but rarely talk about openly. It’s disappointing, confusing, and sometimes financially draining. Yet with today’s advancements in veterinary care—especially through the use of ultrasound imaging—more farms are learning how to spot issues earlier and act faster, giving both mares and foals a better shot at success.

Why Early Pregnancy Loss in Mares Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think

Anyone who's worked with horses knows that getting a mare pregnant is only half the battle. Equine reproduction is complex, and a surprising number of pregnancies—some studies estimate up to 15% or more—are lost before day 60. For performance breeders, sport horse farms, and racing stables, these losses translate into not only a missed foal but also a whole year lost in the breeding program.

Most of these early losses are not visible through behavior or even physical signs. Mares can look completely normal. That’s where ultrasound imaging has changed the game.

The Power of Ultrasound Imaging on the Farm

Thanks to portable and high-resolution ultrasound scanners, vets can now detect pregnancy issues far earlier than traditional methods like manual palpation or behavioral monitoring. The best part? It’s non-invasive, safe, and fast.

On many farms in North America and Europe, it's now routine to perform the first ultrasound check around day 14 post-ovulation. Why day 14? That’s when the embryo is still mobile in the uterus. It’s also the ideal window to check for twin pregnancies—which are high-risk in horses—and decide if intervention is needed.

A second scan around day 25 is just as important. By then, a heartbeat should be visible. If it’s not, or if the embryonic vesicle has regressed in size, it’s a warning sign that the pregnancy may not be viable.

Some farms add a third scan around day 35 or 40 to double-check that the embryo has implanted successfully and that no early signs of loss are creeping in.

What Can Go Wrong—And What Ultrasound Can Show

Ultrasound doesn’t just tell you that the mare is pregnant. It can help spot several subtle but critical problems early on:

• Embryonic vesicle that stops growing: If the embryo doesn't grow as expected between day 14 and day 25, it might indicate failure.

• No visible heartbeat by day 25–30: This is a red flag for embryonic death.

• Fluid abnormalities in the uterus: Excessive or unusual fluid could point to inflammation or infection.

• Endometrial cysts: These can sometimes interfere with embryo fixation and development.

• Twin pregnancies: If not managed early, these usually lead to spontaneous abortion or loss of both embryos.

By catching these early, farms can adjust management, consider hormonal support, or even prepare for re-breeding within the same season.

Real Stories from Real Farms

On a breeding farm in Kentucky, a mare known for her high-value foals had three consecutive pregnancy losses. Each time, no one noticed anything wrong until much later. Then the farm started implementing regular ultrasound protocols at days 14, 25, and 35. During the next breeding cycle, ultrasound spotted an abnormally slow-growing embryo by day 22. The vet recommended progesterone supplementation and rest. The result? A healthy colt born 11 months later.

In another case from New South Wales, Australia, a mare conceived twins. At day 14, both embryonic vesicles were clearly seen. Because of early detection, the vet was able to perform a manual reduction, allowing one embryo to develop normally. Without that scan, the farm would have likely lost both.

These aren't rare examples anymore—they're becoming standard practice as ultrasound adoption grows.

How Farms Are Using This Tool to Plan Smarter

Ultrasound isn’t just a diagnostic tool—it’s a planning tool. Many farms now use it as a way to decide:

• When to re-breed if a pregnancy is lost

• Whether to adjust hormone therapy

• If a mare should be taken off training or travel

• Whether a twin reduction or embryo transfer is needed

By combining ultrasound results with good record-keeping and veterinary insight, farms are making better decisions faster. The emotional relief of knowing what’s happening—and not being left guessing—is huge for many owners.

Why Timing and Technician Skill Matter

Getting good results from ultrasound isn't just about having the equipment—it’s about how and when it’s used. Vets trained in equine reproduction know how to interpret the subtle changes in the uterine environment. They also know how to track the embryo’s progress and spot anything unusual.

Timing matters just as much. A scan done too early or too late might miss the crucial signs of failure. That’s why many breeding farms set ultrasound checkpoints at fixed post-ovulation days (e.g., day 14, 25, and 35) and stick to them religiously.

Ultrasound Tech on the Rise: What’s New?

With the growth of portable, battery-powered ultrasound devices, even small-scale farms can access this technology. Some newer models are designed specifically for equine use, with linear rectal probes that deliver high clarity images even in early pregnancy.

Some systems now integrate AI-assisted image interpretation, offering instant detection of fetal heartbeat, size metrics, and alerts for abnormalities. While AI isn’t replacing the vet anytime soon, it’s helping less-experienced users get more confident in the field.

More European breeders are also using telemedicine options—sending real-time ultrasound footage to specialists who give instant feedback, especially during high-risk scans.

Long-Term Impact: Healthier Mares, Stronger Foals

Ultimately, the goal is not just to prevent early loss—but to support healthier pregnancies all the way through. Ultrasound helps make that happen by ensuring that pregnancies don’t go unnoticed, undiagnosed, or unsupported.

When farms catch problems earlier, they can intervene earlier. That leads to fewer wasted breeding cycles, better use of veterinary care, and stronger foals hitting the ground.

Final Thoughts from the Field

Talking with breeders from across the U.S., Australia, and parts of Europe, there’s a growing consensus: early ultrasound is no longer just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. And as more farm managers share their own success stories, others are following suit.

There’s a kind of quiet power in knowing. Knowing your mare is pregnant. Knowing she’s progressing well. And yes—knowing when things are not right, early enough to do something about it. Ultrasound gives you that edge.

And in the world of equine breeding, that edge can make all the difference.