Breeding Conditions 2026
Breeding Season 2026
1. Introduction and Commitment
These Breeding Conditions apply to the 2026 Breeding Season and should be read in conjunction with the General Stud Terms and Conditions of SIGNUM.
SIGNUM is committed to responsible, welfare-led breeding, scientific integrity, professionalism, and the responsible management of valuable equine genetics.
SIGNUM seeks to foster respectful and transparent long-term relationships with breeders, veterinarians, breeding societies, studbooks, equine reproduction professionals, and all parties involved in the breeding process.
These Breeding Conditions are intended to provide clarity regarding the booking, supply, handling, authorised use, and administration of semen while promoting responsible breeding practices and the welfare of the stallion, mare, and resulting foal.
The customer acknowledges that breeding involves natural biological processes and outcomes that may be influenced by numerous factors beyond the reasonable control of SIGNUM, including the individual mare, veterinary management, timing, reproductive biology, environmental conditions, semen handling, and other circumstances relating to breeding and pregnancy.
By submitting a semen booking request, the customer confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Breeding Conditions and the General Stud Terms and Conditions and accepts responsibility for ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements relating to the mare, breeding process, transport, registration, and use of the semen.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of these Breeding Conditions:
"SIGNUM" means the breeding rights holder and provider of authorised breeding rights relating to the stallion.
"Customer" means the person or entity requesting semen and/or breeding rights and accepting these Breeding Conditions.
"Breeder" means the owner, lessee, keeper, or responsible person for the mare and resulting foal, where applicable.
"Approved Mare" means the mare identified in the semen booking request and approved by SIGNUM for use of the semen.
"Equine Reproduction Centre" means the designated equine reproduction facility responsible for semen collection, preparation, handling, storage, veterinary procedures, and/or shipment.
"Semen" means fresh, chilled, frozen, or otherwise processed semen supplied under these Breeding Conditions.
"Stud Fee" means the breeding fee payable to SIGNUM for authorised breeding rights.
"Breeding Season" means the SIGNUM 2026 breeding season.
"Live Foal" means a foal that is born alive and remains alive for the period specified in the Live Foal Guarantee provisions.
3. Application of These Conditions
These Breeding Conditions apply to all semen booking requests, approvals, semen supplies, breeding rights, and related services provided by or on behalf of SIGNUM during the 2026 Breeding Season.
Submission of a semen booking request does not create a binding entitlement to semen.
All requests are subject to:
review;
approval;
availability;
completion of required documentation;
compliance with these Breeding Conditions; and
confirmation by SIGNUM and the designated Equine Reproduction Centre.
No verbal statement, marketing material, photograph, pedigree information, communication, or informal discussion shall constitute a guarantee or contractual commitment unless expressly confirmed in writing by SIGNUM.
4. Semen Booking and Approval Process
Submitted semen booking forms constitute booking requests only.
All semen booking requests are subject to:
approval by SIGNUM;
confirmation of semen availability;
completion of required documentation;
compliance with veterinary and regulatory requirements; and
acceptance of these Breeding Conditions.
SIGNUM reserves the right to approve, decline, postpone, suspend, or cancel any semen booking request where reasonable grounds exist, including but not limited to:
semen availability;
stallion welfare considerations;
veterinary considerations;
administrative requirements;
regulatory requirements;
reputation considerations; or
other legitimate business reasons.
5. Fresh/Chilled Semen Availability and Shipment
5.1 Europe
Fresh and chilled semen is available for approved destinations within Europe, including:
European Union member states;
United Kingdom;
Switzerland;
Norway;
Liechtenstein; and
EFTA member states.
Availability remains subject to health, transport, veterinary, and regulatory requirements.
5.2 International Shipment
International shipment of chilled semen may be available upon request and in consultation with the designated Equine Reproduction Centre.
Where international shipment is approved, semen may be prepared using a high-quality long-range transport extender where appropriate.
The customer acknowledges that sufficient advance notice is required.
A minimum of fourteen (14) days' advance notice is strongly recommended but does not constitute a guarantee of availability, collection, or shipment timing.
All shipments remain subject to:
veterinary approval;
health certification;
transport availability;
customs requirements;
import/export regulations; and
applicable legal requirements.
6. Permitted Use of Semen
Fresh or chilled semen supplied by SIGNUM is provided solely for:
one direct, conventional artificial insemination;
of the Approved Mare;
for which the semen booking request was submitted and approved.
The customer shall not transfer, assign, sell, gift, lease, or otherwise provide semen to any third party without prior written approval from SIGNUM.
Any alternative use of semen requires prior written approval from SIGNUM and may be subject to additional terms and conditions.
7. Frozen Semen and Advanced Reproductive Technologies
The use of frozen semen, embryo transfer (ET), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), oocyte-related procedures, cloning, genetic technologies, biotechnology, conservation programmes, research, laboratory testing, or any current or future advanced equine reproductive technology requires prior written request, review, and approval by SIGNUM.
Any approved use of such technologies shall be subject to separate individual terms and conditions, including additional fees, restrictions, and requirements as determined by SIGNUM.
The customer acknowledges that breeding rights granted by SIGNUM are limited to the expressly authorised use of semen and do not include any unrestricted right to use the semen, genetic material, or related information for any other purpose.
8. Ownership of Semen and Genetic Material
All semen supplied, including any unused semen, residual semen, genetic material, genetic information, and related breeding information, remains the property of SIGNUM unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
The customer receives only a limited, personal, non-exclusive, and non-transferable right to use the semen for the approved breeding purpose described in these Breeding Conditions.
No ownership rights in the semen, stallion genetics, genetic information, intellectual property, breeding rights, or associated proprietary information are transferred to the customer.
The customer shall not retain, transfer, sell, distribute, commercialise, or otherwise provide semen or any genetic material to any third party without prior written approval from SIGNUM.
9. Stud Fee and Payment Terms
The Introductory Stud Fee for the 2026 Breeding Season is:
European Union: €950 plus applicable VAT
United Kingdom: 820 GBP plus applicable VAT
Switzerland: 875 CHF plus applicable VAT
International: 1100 USD plus applicable VAT
In Europe, the Stud Fee is payable on 16 October 2026, unless a veterinary certificate confirming that the Approved Mare is not pregnant is received by SIGNUM no later than 15 October 2026.
If no veterinary certificate is provided within the specified timeframe, the mare shall be assumed pregnant, which shall result in the Stud Fee becoming payable.
The customer remains responsible for ensuring that all invoices and charges are settled in accordance with the applicable payment terms.
For international orders, advance payment may be requested.
10. WFFS Non-Carrier Testing Requirement (Mare)
A valid and complete laboratory certificate confirming the Approved Mare’s Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) non-carrier status (N/N) must be provided before semen release.
The certificate must be received by SIGNUM and the designated Equine Reproduction Centre no later than the time of semen collection, preparation, or shipment.
A deduction of €120 from the payable Stud Fee will be granted where a valid and complete WFFS non-carrier (N/N) certificate is submitted in a timely manner, before semen release.
Acceptance or review of any WFFS certificate by SIGNUM and/or the designated Equine Reproduction Centre is for administrative purposes only and does not constitute confirmation or verification of:
the accuracy of the genetic result;
the correctness of the sample;
the identity of the tested animal;
the sampling procedure;
the laboratory methodology;
the laboratory processes; or
the reported result.
SIGNUM and the Equine Reproduction Centre accept no responsibility or liability for incorrect sampling, incorrect identification, laboratory error, reporting error, fraudulent documentation, or any other issue arising from genetic testing performed by third parties.
11. Semen Handling Fees, Transport and Additional Costs
Although the Stud Fee is payable in October 2026, an approved semen booking may involve additional charges payable to the designated Equine Reproduction Centre and/or its appointed service providers.
Such charges may include:
semen handling and preparation fees;
veterinary and health certification fees;
shipping and transport costs;
import and export documentation fees;
customs charges;
regulatory fees; and
other applicable service provider costs.
The semen handling and preparation fee is currently approximately €125 including VAT, subject to change. (+ shipping and transport costs, and where applicable, veterinary and health certification fees etc. as mentioned above.)
These charges may be invoiced separately by the Equine Reproduction Centre and/or its appointed service providers.
By submitting a semen booking request, the customer acknowledges and agrees that information required for the administration and fulfilment of the breeding may be shared and processed between SIGNUM, the designated Equine Reproduction Centre, veterinary professionals, laboratories, transport providers, breeding societies, studbooks, and other relevant service providers.
Such information may include:
customer information;
breeder information;
mare information;
foal and offspring information;
pedigree information;
veterinary documentation;
laboratory certificates;
breeding records; and
registration-related information.
Such processing may take place for purposes including semen booking, preparation, shipment, administration, breeding management, pedigree matters, studbook requirements, registration, compliance, and related breeding activities.
12. Data Processing and Information Sharing
SIGNUM and the designated Equine Reproduction Centre may collect, process, store, and exchange information reasonably required for the administration and fulfilment of the breeding arrangement.
The customer acknowledges and agrees that relevant information may be shared with appropriate third parties where necessary, including:
veterinary professionals;
laboratories;
transport providers;
breeding societies;
studbooks;
regulatory authorities; and
professional advisers.
Such processing shall be carried out in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
The customer remains responsible for ensuring that any information provided to SIGNUM or the Equine Reproduction Centre is accurate, complete, and current.
13. Mare Health, Suitability and Welfare Requirements
The customer confirms that the Approved Mare is, according to the advice and assessment of the customer’s attending veterinarian:
in good general health;
suitable for insemination;
suitable to carry a pregnancy;
suitable to safely give birth; and
suitable for the raising of a foal.
The mare to be inseminated shall not be younger than three (3) full years of age at the time of breeding.
The customer accepts responsibility for ensuring appropriate veterinary supervision, nutrition, management, accommodation, and husbandry throughout:
insemination;
pregnancy;
foaling;
lactation; and
early foal development.
The customer further agrees that every reasonable effort is made by the customer/breeder for appropriate arrangements to allow the foal to remain with the mare for a continuous and appropriate nursing period, ideally for a minimum of six (6) full consecutive months or longer where consistent with good husbandry and the welfare of both mare and foal.
14. Semen Availability and Stallion Welfare
All semen bookings are subject to availability.
SIGNUM does not guarantee availability of semen on any specific date, cycle, or breeding occasion.
The health, welfare, safety, and responsible management of the stallion shall always take priority.
SIGNUM reserves the right to delay, reduce, suspend, or decline semen collection or shipment where reasonably considered necessary due to:
stallion health;
veterinary advice;
welfare considerations;
competition commitments;
recovery periods;
biosecurity requirements;
breeding management decisions; or
other circumstances affecting the responsible management of the stallion.
No liability shall arise from such decisions, although SIGNUM will endeavour to provide reasonable alternatives where practicable.
15. Breeding Management Decisions
The customer acknowledges that breeding decisions involving the stallion, semen allocation, collection scheduling, mare suitability, reproductive management, and breeding strategy require professional judgement and may involve veterinary, welfare, scientific, operational, and commercial considerations.
SIGNUM reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make decisions relating to:
allocation of semen;
approval or refusal of semen bookings;
collection scheduling;
timing of semen availability;
breeding frequency;
stallion workload management;
welfare-related restrictions;
veterinary recommendations;
biosecurity requirements;
reproductive management decisions; and
other matters relating to the responsible management of the stallion and breeding programme.
Such decisions shall be made in good faith and with regard to the welfare of the stallion, the responsible management of his breeding programme, and the long-term preservation of his health, performance, and genetic contribution.
Where veterinary advice indicates that breeding, collection, shipment, insemination, or any related activity may adversely affect the welfare of the stallion, mare, or foal, SIGNUM reserves the right to delay, modify, suspend, or refuse the relevant activity.
The customer acknowledges that SIGNUM may prioritise welfare, responsible breeding management, and the long-term interests of the stallion over commercial availability.
16. Biological Nature of Semen and Breeding Outcome
The customer acknowledges that semen is a natural biological product and that its characteristics may vary between collections, seasons, stallions, and individual ejaculates.
Although semen quality and laboratory values obtained from previous collections have, to date, been very good, previous results do not constitute a representation, warranty, or guarantee of future semen quality, fertility, viability, conception rates, pregnancy rates, or breeding success.
The customer acknowledges that semen quality and breeding outcomes may be influenced by numerous factors, including but not limited to:
stallion health and condition;
mare fertility;
timing of insemination;
veterinary management;
semen handling;
transport;
storage;
environmental factors; and
other biological, technical, or management factors.
SIGNUM makes no warranty or guarantee regarding conception, pregnancy, fertility, live birth, or any specific breeding outcome.
17. Live Foal Guarantee
The Live Foal Guarantee applies from 16 October 2026 until 168 hours after birth.
The Live Foal Guarantee is provided solely as a discretionary goodwill gesture by SIGNUM and is intended to support responsible breeding relationships.
The Live Foal Guarantee is subject to:
semen availability;
these Breeding Conditions; and
the General Stud Terms and Conditions.
Where applicable, the customer shall be entitled to one (1) non-transferable return breeding in the 2027 breeding season without payment of a further Stud Fee.
The Live Foal Guarantee does not include:
semen handling fees;
transport costs;
veterinary costs;
customs charges;
administrative fees;
third-party service costs; or
any other associated expenses.
The customer acknowledges that the Live Foal Guarantee is not:
an insurance policy;
a warranty;
a guarantee of fertility;
a guarantee of conception; or
a guarantee of breeding success.
The customer agrees that the Live Foal Guarantee shall not be misused, applied abusively, interpreted beyond its intended purpose, or relied upon to create claims or expectations beyond the express terms stated herein.
The Live Foal Guarantee shall not be used to challenge or undermine SIGNUM's reasonable breeding decisions, welfare decisions, semen availability decisions, or other rights under these Breeding Conditions.
Any benefit provided under the Live Foal Guarantee is offered in good faith and without admission of liability and shall not create any precedent, entitlement, obligation, or expectation for future breeding arrangements.
18. Passing of Risk and Use of Semen
Risk in the semen passes to the customer immediately upon collection from, or dispatch by, the designated Equine Reproduction Centre or its appointed carrier, whichever occurs first.
From that point onwards, the customer assumes all responsibility and risk relating to:
transport;
customs clearance;
import requirements;
storage;
handling;
preparation;
thawing (where applicable);
timing of insemination;
veterinary procedures;
insemination;
mare management;
pregnancy;
foaling; and
any subsequent use of the semen.
The customer acknowledges that the success of insemination depends upon numerous biological, veterinary, technical, environmental, and management factors outside the reasonable control of SIGNUM.
SIGNUM does not provide any warranty or guarantee regarding the suitability of semen for any specific mare, insemination procedure, breeding programme, reproductive outcome, or commercial purpose beyond the express terms contained herein.
19. Intellectual Property and Genetic Material Protection
The customer acknowledges that semen, genetic material, genetic information, pedigree information, breeding information, and related knowledge associated with the stallion represent proprietary assets of SIGNUM.
The customer is granted only a limited, personal, non-exclusive, and non-transferable right to use the semen solely for the approved breeding purpose.
Without prior written consent from SIGNUM, the customer shall not, and shall not permit any third party to:
retain, sell, transfer, assign, lease, lend, gift, or otherwise dispose of semen;
use semen for any unauthorised breeding purpose;
analyse, sequence, genotype, DNA profile, reverse engineer, replicate, reproduce, or characterise genetic material;
use semen or genetic material for research, biotechnology, conservation, commercial development, cloning, genetic preservation, gene editing, or any other current or future technology;
provide access to semen or genetic material to any unauthorised third party.
Any unused semen, residual biological material, or genetic information derived from the semen remains the property of SIGNUM and shall be handled only in accordance with SIGNUM's instructions.
Nothing in these Breeding Conditions transfers ownership of the stallion's genetics, genetic information, intellectual property, or breeding rights except for the limited breeding right expressly granted herein.
20. Performance Records, Studbook Requirements and Foal Registration
Semen is supplied without any stallion performance tests and competition records, and without any guarantee relating to stallion performance tests, competition records, or studbook acceptance.
The customer acknowledges that individual breeding societies and studbooks may have their own requirements regarding:
stallion approvals;
performance records;
pedigree requirements;
genetic requirements;
foal registration; and
offspring licensing.
The customer is solely responsible for verifying that the intended breeding complies with the requirements of the relevant breeding society or studbook.
SIGNUM may, as a goodwill gesture, assist with enquiries where appropriate; however, no responsibility or liability is accepted for the decision of any breeding society, studbook, or licensing authority.
SIGNUM does not guarantee registration of any foal or acceptance of any offspring by any particular studbook or breeding organisation or licensing of offspring.
21. Marketing Information
Photographs, videos, pedigrees, descriptions, performance information, and other marketing materials are provided for general information and guidance only.
Such information does not constitute a warranty, representation, or guarantee regarding:
future performance;
breeding outcome;
offspring characteristics;
fertility;
registration;
licensing; or
any other outcome.
22. Confidentiality
Unless required by law or with the prior written consent of the other party, SIGNUM and the customer shall keep confidential the terms of their agreement, communications, commercial arrangements, pricing, breeding information, genetic information, veterinary information, personal data, and any other confidential or proprietary information exchanged in connection with the breeding arrangement.
Disclosure shall be permitted where reasonably necessary for the administration and fulfilment of the breeding, including disclosure to:
the designated Equine Reproduction Centre;
veterinary professionals;
laboratories;
transport providers;
breeding societies;
studbooks;
legal or professional advisers;
insurers; or
regulatory authorities.
This confidentiality obligation shall continue after completion or termination of the breeding arrangement.
23. Reputation, Communication and Conduct
SIGNUM values professional, respectful, and constructive relationships with customers, breeders, veterinarians, breeding organisations, and all parties involved in the breeding process.
The customer agrees to communicate promptly, respectfully, and in good faith should any issue arise relating to semen, shipment, documentation, payment, administration, or any other matter.
The customer agrees to provide SIGNUM and the designated Equine Reproduction Centre with a reasonable opportunity to review and, where appropriate, resolve any concern.
The customer shall have due regard for the reputation, goodwill, and legitimate interests of:
the stallion;
SIGNUM;
the designated Equine Reproduction Centre;
their personnel;
their contractors; and
all other parties involved.
SIGNUM reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse, suspend, postpone, or decline any semen booking or future breeding request where there are reasonable grounds to believe that such arrangement may lead to:
welfare concerns;
inappropriate conduct;
legal issues;
safety concerns;
reputational harm;
damage to goodwill; or
other legitimate concerns affecting SIGNUM, the stallion, or associated parties.
24. Payment Difficulties and Goodwill Arrangements
If the customer anticipates or becomes aware of any difficulty making payment when due, the customer agrees to notify SIGNUM promptly and as soon as the issue becomes apparent.
As a goodwill gesture only, and without obligation, guarantee, or commitment to do so, SIGNUM may consider alternative payment arrangements at its discretion.
Any alternative arrangement shall:
not constitute a waiver of SIGNUM's rights;
not create any entitlement or precedent;
not amend these Breeding Conditions unless expressly agreed in writing; and
not prevent SIGNUM from enforcing its rights in the future.
The customer acknowledges that any temporary tolerance, extension, or alternative arrangement granted by SIGNUM shall not affect the validity or enforceability of these Breeding Conditions.
25. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, SIGNUM, the Equine Reproduction Centre, and their respective owners, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and service providers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, economic, or reputational loss or damage arising from or connected with:
semen availability;
semen quality;
semen collection;
transport;
handling;
storage;
insemination;
pregnancy;
foaling;
breeding outcome;
registration;
studbook decisions; or
use of semen.
This includes, without limitation:
veterinary expenses;
transport costs;
breeding expenses;
loss of income;
loss of opportunity;
loss of breeding season;
loss of goodwill; or
reputational loss.
The customer acknowledges that the use of semen and the outcome of any breeding remain subject to natural biological processes and factors beyond the reasonable control of SIGNUM.
Nothing in these Breeding Conditions excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.
26. Force Majeure and Circumstances Beyond Control
SIGNUM shall not be responsible for any delay, failure, suspension, restriction, or inability to perform any obligation under these Breeding Conditions where caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
Such circumstances may include, without limitation:
disease outbreaks;
veterinary restrictions;
government measures;
regulatory changes;
transport disruption;
customs delays;
extreme weather;
natural disasters;
strikes;
technical failures;
competition commitments;
stallion health issues;
biosecurity measures; or
other unforeseen events.
SIGNUM will endeavour to communicate relevant information and, where reasonably possible, seek practical solutions.
27. Amendments and Updates
SIGNUM reserves the right to amend, update, or modify these Breeding Conditions and the General Stud Terms and Conditions at any time, including during the breeding season, including:
pricing;
procedures;
operational requirements;
administrative processes; and
breeding requirements.
Updated terms shall apply to future bookings and arrangements unless otherwise agreed in writing.
28. Special Breeding Arrangements and No Precedent
SIGNUM may, at its sole discretion, agree to special, amended, additional, or alternative breeding conditions, arrangements, exceptions, or commercial terms in individual cases.
Any such arrangement shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and shall not create any right, expectation, entitlement, custom, practice, or precedent for any other customer, breeder, mare, booking, breeding season, or future transaction.
SIGNUM may consider individual circumstances, including but not limited to:
welfare considerations;
veterinary circumstances;
strategic breeding decisions;
international requirements;
administrative considerations;
commercial arrangements; or
other relevant factors.
No special arrangement, concession, exception, goodwill gesture, or deviation from these Breeding Conditions shall:
constitute an amendment to these Breeding Conditions generally;
create any obligation to offer equivalent terms to another customer; or
constitute a waiver of any of SIGNUM's rights.
SIGNUM remains entitled to apply different conditions, requirements, pricing, availability decisions, or approval criteria to different customers, mares, breeding arrangements, or breeding seasons at its discretion.
29. Reservation of Rights and No Waiver
Failure or delay by SIGNUM to exercise any right, remedy, discretion, or provision under these Breeding Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that right.
No waiver shall be effective unless expressly agreed in writing by SIGNUM.
Any delay, tolerance, special arrangement, concession, goodwill gesture, exception, or individual decision made by SIGNUM shall not create any precedent, entitlement, custom, or obligation in favour of any customer or third party.
Nothing in these Breeding Conditions limits SIGNUM's right to protect or enforce its:
contractual rights;
intellectual property;
genetic material rights;
confidential information;
reputation;
goodwill;
legitimate business interests; or
rights to recover outstanding sums.
SIGNUM expressly reserves all rights and remedies available under these Breeding Conditions, the General Stud Terms and Conditions, and applicable law.
30. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Breeding Conditions, the General Stud Terms and Conditions, and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The parties shall endeavour to resolve any dispute promptly, professionally, and in good faith through discussion before commencing formal proceedings.
Subject to the above, the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising from or connected with these Breeding Conditions.
Nothing in these Breeding Conditions shall prevent SIGNUM from taking legal action or seeking injunctive or other equitable relief in any jurisdiction where reasonably necessary to protect its:
contractual rights;
intellectual property;
genetic material;
confidential information;
reputation;
goodwill;
legitimate business interests; or
rights to recover outstanding sums.
31. Severability
If any provision of these Breeding Conditions or the General Stud Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, whether in whole or in part, that provision shall be modified or severed to the minimum extent necessary.
The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of that provision or any other provision in another jurisdiction.
32. Responsible Breeding Statement
SIGNUM's breeding programme is founded upon responsible breeding practices, respect for the welfare of the horse, scientific integrity, professional collaboration, and the preservation of valuable equine genetics for future generations.
These Breeding Conditions are intended to support respectful and responsible breeding relationships while recognising the natural biological complexity of equine reproduction and the importance of safeguarding the health and welfare of all horses involved.
Version 1.0
Effective Date: 10.07.2026
SIGNUM STALLIONS LTD.