Considerations of Becoming a Horse Breeder

Part 1 Pre Baby

We have been breeding American Saddlebreds for 23 years. We first started because a mare we had got hurt, and she had such good bloodlines that our then trainer told us to breed her. When I think back over all the babies we have had, I realize how much has gone into this business. First off, we do not own a farm. We have always had to pay someone to keep the mares and the babies. When deciding whether or not to breed a mare, the first factor to consider is cost. These costs begin way before the baby is born.

The initial cost, of course, begins with the stud fee. Stud fees can be anywhere from $250 up to $10,000 or higher. It is a myth that just because you breed to the most expensive stud, you are going to end up with a fabulous baby. This is not the case. Finding the right stallion requires extensive research on not only the bloodlines of your mare, but how that line will cross with the many stallions that are out there. You also need to research the bloodlines of the various stallions which may involve a trip to look at some of his get to see what he produces.
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