Genital injuries from mating in the mare

Minor accidents during natural mating are common occurrences during the breeding of horses. Mares may suffer from a variety of genital injuries including vulval separations, vaginal lacerations and, less commonly, vaginal rupture. Possible sequelae to, and management of, these injuries are described, with additional mention of false entry by the stallion and persistent hymen in maiden mares. Vaginal rupture during natural mating can lead to death of the mare. The implications for litigation involving veterinary surgeons and horse breeders are discussed.