Breeding? is it worth it? Or wound it be better to train horses we already have?

Question

I'm only 17, but i'm just looking at the bigger picture here...

As i'm starting college in September to do horse management, i then wish to go onto uni, followed by working my way up in the horse industry.

I have a huge love for eventing, the only other horses i might specialize in is dressage. But eventually i'd of liked to be breeding, training and selling.

I guess the benefit from breeding is from a foal you can start training with the little things, and you can also have an idea what horses to breed from for your foal to be your ideal horse for eventing or dressage.

But there's a chance it's not always going to turn out to be a good enough jumper? Or just not have the temperament to compete at a high level so you may end up selling it as an all rounder for a loving home. And the last thing i'd want to do is push a horse past what it is capable of.

So would it be better to just go out and buy ones i believe will have the ability to train up and then sell?

I was just wondering, as if i did decide to breed, i'd obviously have to study into it till my brains fall out. What's best?

Thanks for any help anyway, if you have any questions just ask :)

Answer 1

Eventually breeding may be a good idea.  Right now though, it is not a good idea.  The horse market has crashed.  We don't need more babies.  You're going to college - so you're really not going to have much time.  Plus horses are EXPENSIVE! and you're looking at 3-5 years before you can turn around and sell that broke foal.  Not only the cost of feed/board, but vet bills, training equipement, your time, stud fees, mare care, AI bills, and all of the risk involved.

You're better off to find a yearling right now.  Well bred QH's are being given away for free!  Feed it this fall and start riding it in december/january (yes, tha'ts normal for the QH world) and you can turn around and sell it in March/April/May as a broke 2 year old for a lot of $ (broke horses are still selling for descent $).

Also, a 3-5 year old warmblood/TB are also rather inexpensive right now if they're not broke.  You can invest in one of them, get it broke, and resell it.

There are oodles of horses out there right now that need training.  If you want to help the horse industry - skip the breeding and go straight to training.

Have fun in school - I went to UW River Falls and majored in Equine Science with a business option.  It's pretty fun.  :)

Answer 2

Hi,

Try http://www.free-college-videos.com as there's loads of information about colleges, courses, current students views of colleges and social life, accomodation info, recommended college majors etc etc.

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

Breeding

Answer 4

Start with training and then look into breeding. It can be heart breaking when you have planned a mating for so long cared for the mane everyday awaiting the future eventers arrival just to have it born with a club foot or the likes, with a youngester you already have the basis, you can purchase plenty as soon as they are weaned especially Tb's which are great for eventing and two a penny at markets.

Answer 5

I am so going to be a breeder and train the horse my self and everything, its goin to be so fulfilling.

how do u get into horse manegment and all that, is it like Tafe or something.

and is there any subjects at school u have to have good grades in, im in year 8 so its a long way off?  but i wanna make really interesting colours and make the best horses ever andso will u hopefully.

Breeding is definatly worth it honeslty dont listen to people that say it aint, cya