2007-02-09 10:59:32 · 12 answers · asked by butwhatdoiknow 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
A lot of it depends on what you want to breed for. Unless you are breeding with something specific in mind, with some very expensive horses, there is very little money to be made.
Please think carefully about this option for there are so many people out there who want to "get into the breeding business" thinking they're going to make money, but what ends up happening is that they breed and can't sell unwanted horses which end up being sold to people who really shouldn't be owning horses and don't care about them, and then they end up neglected, abused or at auction.
If you still want to get into the breeding business, you would want to concentrate on good stock, and good training.
2007-02-09 13:14:07 · answer #1 · answered by Riley 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You DO NOT need to have a degree in veterinary medicine - unless you intend to artificially inseminate your mares, induce labor or induce the heat cycle.
You DO NOT need to have a ranch with at least 80 acres and you DO NOT have to be in Kentucky. In fact, you can live anywhere in the world.
The further north you are, the less expenisve horse feeds and quality hay will cost you. The further south you are, the more the startup costs will be.
What you DO need is a top-of-the-line stallion. Pick a breed. Get the best. Show him in every show you can get to and when he is winning trophies and is consistently in the top 2 of every class you show him in, all the better. You are building his reputation as an outstanding specimen of his breed and making sure people with horses see him and see him winning. They will come to you. The shows are actually your best investment in advertising your stallion.
It takes a lot of time and a lot of money to get started. Mares are pregnant for 11 months. His babies will be anywhere from 2-4 years old before they ever get started in the show ring. Horses usually don't get to the Olympics until they are 10-12 years old.
Top stallions easily demand breeding (or stud) fees of several thousand dollars each. The mare is brought to your place and you are responsible for the care and safety of the mare while she is with you for the breeding. You'll need hefty insurance to cover you if your stallion should hurt the mare during breeding. The owner of the mare will likely sue you if that happens.
If you intend to have the the stallion and many mares - you are talking about a serious investment. It's not an occupation for the novice. If I had the kind of money it takes to start up a horse breeding farm, I'd have enough money to retire comfortably.
Your best bet is to find a breeding farm and offer to work there. That way you will get hands-on learning about the business, the expenses, the pitfalls and will meet serious horse people. Going to shows will give you an idea of what winning horses look like. And you'll know firsthand how much work is involved with it.
2007-02-09 20:23:41 · answer #2 · answered by amishpantry 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why not work for a local horse breeder for a while and get some knowledge in the industry. Someone who has been in the business for a long time will be able to tell you what it takes, how to choose the right horses and the costs associated with the breeding business. You should be able to find someone who would be willing to let you work around the barn in exchange for instruction. A good equine vet can also be a fantastic source of knowledge. Many vets I know welcome people to ride along and ask questions. One who specializes in equine reproduction would be a great place to start!
Good Luck.
2007-02-09 22:14:10 · answer #3 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In order to get into the horse business you need a fortune, to make it you need a miracle. To get to the top you need a good stallion that has good show records and can produce show quality foals. You need to ether be able to show him yourself, or have the money to pay for a professional to show him for you. You also need to have a very large ranch, with +80 acres. You need a lot of determination and even more money!!! And if you have no experence with horses please don't even try you are wasting your time and money.
2007-02-09 19:11:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
With a lot of knowledge in horse riding, horse husbandry, breeding, bloodlines, the market, and oodles of money, and a big sense of responsibility
2007-02-09 20:31:53 · answer #5 · answered by eucalyptus 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Have a lot of time and a lot of money. Try to find a job on a ranch somewhere near you. You'll learn the down side of raising horses, too. They are a lot of work, but they can also be a lot of fun.
2007-02-09 20:25:41 · answer #6 · answered by JERILYN D 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
experience and love of horses
2007-02-11 23:02:40 · answer #7 · answered by Katie B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a horse to do this, or is this just a random question? If you so have a horse, you should know... it is pretty well commun sence.
2007-02-09 19:28:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you need to have a ranch with acreage.
you need to have good horses, no genetic disorders.
you need to have an equine degree in vet. medicine.
you need to be expirienced.
i dont see why i'm getting thumbs down! the info i put is true!
jeans and a tee kinda girl is saying exactly what im saying only with more detail!!!
2007-02-09 19:02:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
If you have to ask you aren't qualified.
2007-02-09 19:01:50 · answer #10 · answered by kherome 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋