Thinking About OPU/ICSI? Here’s How to Get a Foal on the Ground by Spring 2026

If you're hoping for a foal on the ground by spring 2026, now’s the perfect time to start planning. At Equibreed UK, we’re proud to offer OPU/ICSI – two cutting-edge techniques that are giving mare owners more choice and more chances to breed successfully.

Whether your mare is tricky to breed, retired from sport, or you simply want to maximise her genetic potential, OPU/ICSI could be the perfect route for you. Our experienced vet-led team are here to support you from start to finish – and we’ve already helped many clients bring home healthy, happy foals through this method.

What is OPU/ICSI?

In simple terms, OPU (Ovum Pick Up) involves collecting eggs from your mare’s ovaries using ultrasound guidance and sedation. These oocytes are then sent to our ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) partner laboratory in Europe, where each one is fertilised under a microscope using a single sperm cell. The resulting embryos are cultured and monitored for several days. Once ready, they’re either frozen or shipped straight back to us for transfer into a recipient mare.

Unlike traditional breeding methods, ICSI doesn’t rely on your mare’s cycle or even her age. It’s a great option if you want to use a stallion with limited semen availability or if your mare can’t carry a pregnancy herself.

Top 3 Tips for Anyone Considering OPU/ICSI

1. Plan EarlyIf you’re hoping for a foal in spring 2026, you’ll need to start the OPU/ICSI process this summer. From your initial enquiry to embryo transfer, it can take several months – so getting in touch now gives your mare the best possible chance of success.

2. Know Your Mare’s HistoryOur vet will want to know about your mare’s breeding and health history, as well as her temperament and current management. Even if she’s no longer suitable for natural cover or carrying a foal herself, OPU/ICSI may still be a viable route – but every mare is different, and we tailor the process to suit her.

3. Speak to the TeamWe know OPU/ICSI can sound technical, but it really doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Our friendly office team are here to guide you through the process step by step. Whether you’re just gathering information or ready to book your mare in, we’re happy to help.

   
   

Our Process at Equibreed UK

Once you’ve had an initial chat with our team, we’ll arrange an OPU date at our base in Berkshire. Your mare will be lightly sedated and cared for by our experienced vets and nurses while we collect her oocytes. These are sent straight to our trusted European lab for ICSI.

We’ll keep you updated at every stage – from fertilisation through to embryo development and freezing. When embryos are ready, you can either transfer them into a recipient mare here at Equibreed, take them to your chosen vet, or store them for future use. Our goal is always the same: a healthy foal on the ground for you to enjoy.

Contact us to discuss your goals for 2026

If you're interested in giving your mare the best chance of producing a foal through OPU/ICSI, give the office a call or drop us an email. We’ll walk you through the timings, costs and next steps, and help you decide if this is the right route for you and your mare.