07/05/2024
Reading many personal posts and shared posts from professional trainers who are physically, financially, and mentally challenged right now. I feel for them and their struggles as a breeder. Which has me writing this post, from that perspective.
The past 3 years have been very trying on all fronts, especially from a financial standpoint. We are family owned and run, there is no help here. We all have full time jobs that are not tied to the farm. I have asked myself continually is it worth the continued struggle and is it time to get out? With that we push forward and relish in the small victories we've had this year.
What I want and need for those wanting to buy a foal to keep in mind is this, what did it take for that foal to get here. Because we own a stallion and mares we know both sides of the game. The costs of feed, supplements, hay, gas, upkeep of vehicles and trailers, fees and more fees, vet, farm upkeep, and more I am sure I have forgotten. When all is said and paid for, and thousands have been spent, with no resulting foal, it is just money gone. Time gone. Mares don't get younger and as they age new problems and challenges come to play. You research, try things, and guess what, that costs money too. Same thing for stallions. Then add in that people want to see said dam/sire in the show ring with titles. They need to have proven themselves. There is some value in that, but really is it the only thing that makes them proven? And guess what, that costs money too.
At the end of the day when a breeder tells you a price chances are that is a break even or loss. Maybe a small profit, maybe. My final advice is this...if you think it's too much then get in the game and breed one for yourself.
