There is no such thing as a 'Breeding Season' any longer at The Breeding Lab at Varian Equestrian

Are you looking to breed your horse? Learn how Vet Reproduction Innovations AKA The Breeding Lab at Varian Equestrian can help you.

Vet Reproduction Innovations (VRI) at Varian Equestrian Center stands out as a cutting-edge, pioneering equine reproductive facility due to its combination of advanced technology, expert veterinary care, and personalized approach to each horse’s unique needs.

Why Vet Reproduction Innovations is Different and Leading-Edge

Advanced Reproductive Technology

VRI employs the most sophisticated reproductive techniques in the industry, including:

• Artificial insemination using both cooled and frozen semen

• Embryo transfer, biopsy, and cryopreservation (vitrification) allowing preservation and strategic breeding of elite genetics

• In vitro embryo production (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for difficult breeding cases and expansion of breeding options

• Transvaginal follicular aspiration (OPU) that collects usable eggs from mares for in vitro fertilization and other advanced techniques.

Highly Experienced Team

Led by Dr. Joy Altermatt, DVM, MS, DACT, VRI brings over 40 years of combined experience in equine reproductive medicine to their work at Varian. Their veterinarians and staff are pioneers in assisted reproductive technology and tailor every breeding program to optimize success according to each mare’s and stallion’s circumstances.

Integrated with Varian Equestrian’s World-Class Facilities

VRI benefits from working within the historic Varian Arabians lab and breeding facilities, which offer:

• Elite horse boarding and management designed specifically for delicate reproductive cases

• Access to world-class veterinary and equestrian care on 200+ acres of lush pastures and quiet, well-equipped barns.

Personalized and Compassionate Care

Beyond technology, VRI’s approach emphasizes the “art” of reproduction—fully customizing treatments and protocols for each mare and client. This ensures optimal health, welfare, and outcomes from soundness evaluations, to breeding management, to high-risk pregnancy monitoring.

Comprehensive Reproductive Services

The broad range of services includes mare and stallion soundness evaluations, semen evaluation and freezing, embryo transfer and storage, fetal sexing, and even ovary harvests from deceased mares—all performed with leading technology and expert precision

Vet Reproduction Innovations at Varian Equestrian is a true leader in equine breeding technology, seamlessly blending science, experience, and compassionate individualized care to help breeders realize their breeding dreams with the highest success rates possible.

For horse owners seeking the latest in reproductive care with the trusted legacy of Varian, VRI offers unparalleled options and expertise right in the heart of California’s Central Coast equestrian community.