A broodmare is a mare used exclusively for breeding and reproduction.

A broodmare needs to be a reliable producer of viable foals. This can only be achieved if she has regular ovulatory estrous cycles, breed, conceive, maintain the pregnancy, give birth, and rear the foal. A breeding soundness examination, a reproductive and medical assessment, can determine the ability of the mare to become a broodmare.

For more information, see Understanding Horse Reproduction