4 Rules to Follow when Starting a Horse Farm
Starting a horse breeding farm is challenging. It takes a lot of skills and knowledge to raise good quality stallions and mares. You also need to be familiar with some of the common pitfalls and profitable aspects of the business. To minimise risks, here are the golden rules to follow:
RULE 1: Know your goals
Knowing how to take care of horses is just the beginning. There are many other things you need to consider. This is why you prioritise your goals.
Do you want to focus on breeding champion lines or do you want to offer training schools as well? Your goals will guide you in maximising boarding facilities. An equestrian arena is a good investment. This will help you train your stallions and improve the condition of your mares.
RULE #2: Learn how to boost your profits
One way to boost your profits is to offer boarding services. It takes time to breed horses, so you need to find other sources of income.
Offer horse training sessions, riding lessons and stable supplies. According to seasoned horse stable owners, training and riding lessons are the most profitable aspects of any horse business.
RULE #3: Look for a reliable insurance company
There are different categories—horse trainer professional insurance, property insurance, liability insurance, equine mortality, equine major medical and many more. Understand the coverage for each policy. Always consult with legal counsel before choosing the insurance.
RULE #4: Set your budget
As mentioned earlier, running your own horse farm requires enough preparation. Your business plan should always include the budget.
By now, you should know how much you’re willing to spend for your farm. Have a separate budget for breeding and farm maintenance.
RULE #5: Go for quality horses
Expensive doesn’t always mean good quality—this applies to everything. Don’t be deceived by what you see in ads. Take some time to visit farms and inspect the horses personally.
Learn about the lineage and observe the dam and sire. If you’re planning to breed them, getting a mare is your safest best.
These are some of the things to consider when starting your horse farm. Do more research and consult a seasoned breeder to make sure you succeed.
