The reproductive system is the group of organs that produce offspring. In both males and females, the reproductive system is composed of primary sex organs and primary regulatory centers. The primary sex organs are the testes in males and the ovaries and uterus in females. The primary regulatory centers are in the brain. They control the production of hormones that in turn influence the function of the primary sex organs.

A full discussion of breeding issues in horses is beyond the scope of this chapter. If you intend to purchase a horse for the purpose of breeding, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian (who will likely conduct a breeding soundness examination) and of other responsible horse breeders prior to purchasing the animal.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Robert O. Gilbert, BVSc, MMedVet, DACT, MRCVS; Fabio Del Piero, DVM, DACVP, PhD; R. J. Erskine, DVM, PhD; Paul Nicoletti, DVM, MS; Jerome C. Nietfield, DVM, PhD, DACVP; Donald Peter, DVM, MS, DACT; Patricia L. Sertich, MS, VMD, DACT; Katrin Hinrichs, DVM, PhD, DACT; Brad E. Seguin, DVM, MS, PhD DACT