"Is there a problem officer?"

Okay...so that is not really how it went. But let me put it to you this way, when you cross the border from the US into Canada, and the Customs Official (who, btw, have more power than cops) asks you if you are bringing any guns, drugs or illegal contraband into Canada.... and you look up at him with your cheeks blushing fiercely, bat the eye lashes of your innocent big blue eyes and reply, "Why no, officer!.... just some cooled equine semen"... be sure to clarify and use the term "HORSE" rather than equine.... Because, apparently "equine" can sound a lot like "mine" to a border guard taken off.......guard...!!! It was rather interesting to watch his face turn three shades of red before he shouted, "You have WHAT!!!"

How would I know? Because I've been there. "Yes, I said "semen".... this big blue canister strapped into the seat beside me really does contain 2 straws of horse semen and some liquid nitrogen...any questions?..... Well, no, you cant open it. Or rather you can... you can do anything you like....but I'd really rather you not. The cold part is what keeps the little guys alive..."

Just so you know....That was a really uncomfortable conversation.

As a horsewoman you inevitably become comfortable with using such terms as "semen"without a passing thought... or casually discussing your mares heat cycle! "I'd stand five feet back from the rump of that mare unless you want to get soaking wet... she's a raunchy one!!" .....THAT just may make a non-horsey person squirm a little..... !!

So, the topic of my post was not to see how many times I could type the word "semen" (that makes five). I would like to discuss the concept of "stallion service auctions" ...

(I found these paintings here...I love them)

Tis the season to buy semen!!!! (6) For those of you who don't know, this is the time of year that a lot of organizations hold their stallion service auctions. The basic idea is that breeders donate a breeding of a stallion to a club, organization or charity and that group then auctions it off to the highest bidder. The stallion owners get to promote their stallions, the organization gets to raise funds and in most cases, the mare owners get a reduced rate on a breeding. Its a win, win, win situation. Most stallion auctions are discipline specific, such as the National Youth Cutting Horse Association. featuring some of the top stallions in the industry. Or the National Reining Horse Association's Sire and Dam auction.. In most cases (such as in the above listed) once the actual auction has ended, any breeding's that were not sold are listed on a first come, first served (pardon the pun) basis at 40-50% off the advertised stud fee. It is a great way to find a breeding to a really good stallion at a reduced rate!! Most auctions cover the stud fee only (winning bidder is still responsible for chute fees, booking fees and shipment costs).

For those interested, here is a list of Stallion Service Auctions here: You'd be surprised how many of them there are!!!

So.... Semen!!!! (7) *sticks tongue out* Ha!