We have strengthened our commitment to offering the gold standard in horse care with the appointment of Dr. Heather Darby as our resident veterinarian.
Dr. Darby will conduct and manage the treatment of all on-farm horses at Armidale, and services will also be made available to Armidale’s supporting thoroughbred stakeholders. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive list of procedures, including reproduction, foal medicine, lameness assessment and routine surgery.
Dr. Isobel Collier has rejoined the Armidale team and is leading the development of our new reproductive program for non-Thoroughbred mares, offering the same care, expertise, and professionalism that has defined Armidale Stud for generations.
Key procedures such as uterine and follicle scanning will help give our mares the best chance of getting in foal. Along with proactive and thoughtful hormonal treatments to promote follicular development, maximise timely ovulation and treat any infertility or conception difficulties post-cover.
Dr Darby has extensive experience in the field of equine reproduction. She will tailor treatment plans specific to each mare’s needs, accounting for current or past record of conceiving difficulties or pregnancy loss. Best practice methods are implemented to maximise the likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.
Reproductive Services:
- Ultrasound scanning
- Administration of drugs and/or hormones to assist with higher pregnancy outcomes
- Post-foaling mare and foal assessments
- Clitoral and endometrial swaps
- Uterine irrigation and infusions
- Caslicks
- Infertility and pregnancy loss prevention, including placentitis monitoring
Foals born at Armidale will be able to receive industry-leading care with on-farm monitoring of IGG, SAA and Haematology to prevent neonatal infections from developing. Dr Darby has a dedicated and enthusiastic approach when it comes to foal medicine, where prevention reaps big benefits in preventing costly diseases.
Foals will also have extensive evaluation of leg conformation, where early intervention can improve a variety of deformations.
Foal Medicine Services:
- Regular foal assessments post-foaling and in weeks/months as needed
- IGG testing, colostrum and plasma infusions
- Insurance examinations
- Leg conformation assessment and corrective treatment plans
- Ultrasound scanning of chest and abdomen
Recognising, locating and managing lameness can be a complex task. Dr Darby utilises a range of diagnostic techniques to identify the cause of lameness. These include, the hoof assessment, flexion tests and local anaesthetic nerve and joint blocks.
Once the source of the lameness is located, the cause of the lameness can be more accurately understood. High definition digital radiography (x-rays) and musculoskeletal ultrasonography (scanning) may be used to visualise the internal structures of the affected tissues.
Once the cause of the lameness is established, a treatment plan will be tailored for the horse. This may include rehabilitation protocols or corrective shoeing.
Lameness Services:
- Diagnostic assessment
- Nerve & joint blocks
- X-raying
- Ultrasonography
Routine on-farm surgeries such as castration, umbilical hernias and entropion in foals can be performed by Dr Darby. Other surgeries done on farm may include extensive stitch ups, wound reconstruction, and sequestrum surgery. More complex surgeries will require referral to a clinic.
Routine Surgical Services:
- Castrations
- Umbilical hernias
- Entropion
- Wound debridement and reconstructions
Dr Darby’s experience and knowledge of the young, developing thoroughbred ensures optimal management of the horse during its growth, which is vital preceding yearling preparation.
We offer pre-screening services, sales x-rays and scoping. When issues are diagnosed early, surgical intervention (done at a referral hospital), medical treatment or management changes will help treat or resolve issues and early treatment can be of major benefit to the horse.
Scoping is also available for the diagnosis of thoroughbreds displaying abnormal breathing.
Sales Services:
- Scoping
- X-raying (sales & prep-screening)
- Pre-purchase examination
Dr Darby performs a wide number of other procedures, including dentistry, gastroscopy for ulcers, and emergency services.
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Other Services:
- Dentistry
- Gastroscopy
- Emergency services
Expanding Our Equine Reproductive Services
For the first time in our 60-year history, Armidale Stud is proud to open our doors and specialised expertise to sport and pleasure mares.
Beginning November 2025, we’ll be offering a full suite of reproductive services to non-Thoroughbred mares, backed by the same care and professionalism that has defined our breeding program for generations.
Services Available
We are pleased to provide:
- Live cover
- Chilled and frozen artificial insemination (AI)
At this stage, embryo transfer is not available. However, we look forward to offering this service in the future once we have established a group of recipient mares.
Lease a Mare from Armidale
Don’t have a mare of your own? We can help.
We offer the opportunity to lease one of our carefully selected Armidale-owned mares, giving you the chance to breed a foal by any stallion of your choosing.
Mare Care & Management
Depending on your preference, mares can:
- Be walked on for reproductive procedures, or
- Agisted at Armidale Stud for the duration of their reproductive cycle
Around the time of cover, we may recommend your mare stays with us for a few days. During this period, she may need to be scanned and treated daily — or even multiple times a day — particularly if you are using frozen semen.
Reproduction Contracts
Our reproduction contracts include:
- Pre-cover scanning
- Pre- and post-cover uterine treatments
- Pregnancy scanning
If a mare requires more than two cycles to conceive, an additional charge will apply for subsequent cycles. This typically indicates an underlying fertility issue that requires more intensive treatment and management.
Reproduction Contract Prices
First Two Cycles:
- Live Cover – $770 $190
- Chilled AI – $880 $190
- Frozen AI – $990 $250
Third/Each Additional Cycle Surcharge:
- Live Cover – $190
- Chilled AI – $190
- Frozen AI – $250
Additional Charges:
- Ovulation injection – $45
- Caslick operation – $120
- Sedation if needed for safety of veterinarian and/or mare – $35 per dose administered
- Additional laboratory testing (culture and/or biopsy) – $95 – $210
- Airport chilled semen collection – $50
- Regumate (altrenogest) daily – $17
Daily Agistment Charges:
- Dry Mare – $21.80
- Mare and Foal – $26.60
- Walk-on Weekend Procedure Surcharge – $45
If further information is required, please contact Dr. Isabel Collier on +61 437 602 681 or isabel@armidalestud.com.au
Dr. Isabel Collier
Dr. Heather Darby
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