It isn't easy to start a horse-breeding farm.This kind of operation requires a lot of research, planning and hard work.To get your farm off the ground, you will need to determine if this is the right business for you, find an appropriate location, set up your operation, and start your breeding program.If you want to do this, you need to learn what's involved.
Step 1: Talk to people in your community about land for sale.
Asking people if they have heard of any farms or land for sale is one of the easiest ways to find land.Ask the locals if they know anyone who is thinking of selling their land.You could be the first to see something new on the market.If you don't live in a community with farm land, you need to find an area that does and talk to members of that community.To find people to talk to about land in the area, go to local feed stores, small businesses, and community events.
Step 2: Hire a real estate agent with experience in agricultural land sales.
Hire a professional to help you find a piece of land.You need to find someone who knows how to deal with farmland, as that is a specialized real estate niche.
Step 3: Pick a piece of land that is large enough for your farm.
The size should be determined by how much you can afford and what your horses need.There is plenty of space to run and separate horses that shouldn't be together or breeding at certain times.The horses need 1000 square feet per horse.It is always better to have more space than less.If you want to allow your horses to eat a lot of their food, you will need more than 1 acre per horse.A much smaller pasture is suitable for most horse breeders who don't have their horses eat most of their food.You need at least two separate areas of land for the stallions and the mares.Keeping two stallions in the same pasture is not a good idea in most cases since farm lots rarely replicate the wide ranges of wild horses.To allow pasture to recover and to release the horses onto fresh pasture regularly, there is a need for rotating pasture.You will need more pasture than you think.
Step 4: New buildings can be built on land with existing buildings.
If the land you bought already had a barn, an outdoor shed, and a place to park a horse trailer, it would be better.On top of the land purchase, the costs add up very quickly.
Step 5: Before purchasing a piece of land, check the regulations.
A piece of land is needed for a horse-breeding operation.If the land is already being used as a farm, you won't have any problems.It doesn't hurt to check the zone to be safe.Talk to local officials if you want to use the land for something other than farming.It can take a long time and cost a lot to get permission to use land that hasn't been used in the past.
Step 6: Some of your feed can be grown on the land.
If you want fertile land, buy it with lots of green grass, hay, and alfalfa.If you don't bring in a lot of feed, your expenses will go up.If you plan on keeping horses on pasture all year round, the grass needs to be rich in vitamins and minerals and non-toxic to horses.It needs to grow quickly.If your climate means that the horses need to be kept indoors over winter, you'll need suitable barn accommodation with easy mucking out facilities and at least a small outside area for exercising during the warmest part of cold days.If you want most of your horse's food to come from eating, you will need at least 1 acre of pasture land per horse.
Step 7: Before purchasing land, ask about the water supply.
There is a plentiful and sufficient amount of clean water.If you want to get good sources of water, you'll need to make sure that the growth of algae isn't an issue in the warmer months.You should have several sources, for example a pond and a well.Before buying land, it's a good idea to have the water supply tested for quality.You want to know that you can depend on your water supply.Too much water can log your land so drainage is important.There will be problems for the horses walking in puddles and muddy conditions if the pasture is water logged.
Step 8: When running a horse-breeding farm, a list of duties is required.
You will have to immerse yourself in both working with horses and administrative tasks, such as marketing and keeping track of your income and expenses.There will be a lot of time spent on learning and assessing the background of horses, as well as making sure the horses are cared for properly.If you have a list of all of the jobs associated with this business, you can assess whether you are up for the challenge.If you've owned 1 or more horses before, you should be aware that there is a lot of work involved with caring for horses and that it's a rather expensive undertaking.Breeding horses will increase the work, expenses, worry, and long-term attachment to your business in ways that simply owning a horse doesn't really prepare you for.
Step 9: All dangerous objects should be removed from the pasture.
Rocks, barbed wire, and poisonous plants can hurt a horse, so prepare the pasture by getting rid of them.Check for holes in the pasture.If a horse steps in a hole at a fast pace, there is a risk of serious injury.If moles can be eradicated, consider whether you can eliminate the cause of the holes.Areas with snakes need to be checked.Reducing the habitat preferences of snakes will reduce the potential for snakes hanging around.Wood/log piles, junk heaps, and any other place that encourages rodents to breed, which attracts snakes, are some things that may help.
Step 10: Do you know what to identify?
Toxic berries, seeds or leaves can be a liability if trees produce them.A field guide can be used to identify plants on a property.You might be able to remove an offending tree, but a whole copse of trees or a pasture filled with weeds starts to be a lot of work without a guarantee that you've found all possible toxic plants.Remove chewed branches to prevent infections to the trees.
Step 11: Do you want to build or prepare buildings for your horses?
Land and built areas should include a barn, water supply, outdoor sheds, and any other necessities.Firm timelines, signed contracts, and guarantees about the costs of buildings are all you need to start a business.Most building projects cost more than they think.To make the most of cooling summer breezes, orient any shelter so that it heads away from prevailing cold winds.It's important to have a shelter for hot, sunny days.A shade shed should be built in pastures that do not have shade trees.It can be made very cheaply, like a high roof on four posts or a shed with three sides.
Step 12: Fence strong and secure.
A tall, thick, and wide hedge with a wooden fence in front of it is the best fencing.As most people don't have the time to do this, a good quality wooden fence works just fine, as do metal bars.There are many styles of wooden fencing.Injuries and loss can amount to a lot more than the money spent on fencing from the beginning, so it's not worth skimping on good fencing.A good 15 to 20 years life from a well-cared for wooden fence is expected from using wood that is non-toxic and enduring.Borers can attack the fencing and bored horses like to chew it.Electric fencing is an option.It is a cost-effective and usually safe solution if it is earthed and made with quality wire.After a few shocks, most horses will shy away from it.Sometimes it can scare a horse enough to destroy the fence, so care needs to be taken with wild or frisky horses.Do not use hog wire fencing for horses.Animals can get their legs caught in it.If you want to keep horses, Barbed wire is not an option.The Barbed wire was designed for animals.If a horse gets caught in barbed wire, they can be seriously injured.
Step 13: Stock horse supplies.
A variety of supplies is needed when starting a horse farm.You will need grooming gear, a lead rope, and a halter for each of your horses.Basic riding tack includes a saddle, saddle pad, girth, bridle, and reins.Basic grooming gear includes brushes, combs, picks, and sponges.You will need buckets to hold food and water.
Step 14: Purchase tools that you will use.
You will need to care for all of the buildings and areas on the farm in addition to caring for the horses.You will need equipment to clean the area where the horses will spend their time.If your horse is stabled, you will need a spade, shovel, and rake.You might need a tractor to use in your pasture land.You will need a bucket or wheelbarrow to replace the bedding.
Step 15: Buy horse food.
The horses need a lot of food.Before you bring any horses to your farm, you need to know what your horse needs.Horses eat hay to keep warm.Look at the quality of the hay.It isn't going to pass through the horse if you want something that is healthy.Try to find grassy or oat hay.Try to get a second or third cut of the hay as it will not be as rich as the first cut.A mixture of oats and wheat is called concentrate.The wheat will be a source of bulk food for your horse, and the alfalfa chaff will provide high nutrition.This is what the horse will eat to stay full.When you want to fill a horse up fast without adding heat or energy to the food, this is the way to go.Lean meat and grain are good ways to put on weight and maintain it.It's handy when you need a boost of energy for a show or your horse needs a lift.During the cold months, boiled grains help to keep the horse warm.A cool pellet is the best to start with.These feeds provide a range of vitamins and minerals.You can try different products until you find the perfect one.
Step 16: You should order bedding for the stalls.
Wood or straw is the most used bedding for horses.You may be able to grow some of the straw you need on your land, but you will need to order some to start.Ask other horse breeders in your area what service they use, as this can usually be ordered from local suppliers.Some by-products of woods and timber can be toxic to horses, so it's important that the bedding is approved.
Step 17: Make sure your horses have enough water.
If a horse is stabled for a few hours, a large bucket will do.If you are stable at night or all day, you will need a water trough or automatic waterer.
Step 18: You can find out which breeds are selling well in your area.
Depending on what your customers want in a horse, you might consider breeding gaited horses, laid-back horses or competitive horses.Don't rely on your own knowledge.Do research the market.Find out who is selling good stock at the moment, which horses are renowned for which traits, the types of issues you're likely to be faced with in caring for that particular breed of horse, and so on.It's important to do thorough research to ensure that you're well informed and to make the right decision about the breed.Unless you have experience with rare, exotic breeds, don't jump into breeding them.You should start with a breed that you know a lot about.If you choose a quarter horse, you will have to compete with other breeders in order to lower the prices.Plot this out as part of your business plan if you want to provide quality.It takes a lot of money and expertise to breed racing horses.If you want to start a breeding program, you need to have a good knowledge of the racing industry or you will make big and costly mistakes.
Step 19: Discuss buying and breeding horses.
Take tours of their facilities, ask for their advice, and get updates about their business.You can get a feel for purchasing horses and how the auctions work when you visit horse sales as an observer.There are horse farms for sale that you can check out.
Step 20: Take the time to research the horses you're interested in.
Since a horse's lineage can affect the quality of its breeding outcomes, an in-depth knowledge of pedigrees for that breed is necessary.The dam, sire, grand dam and grand sire should be listed in the genealogy of horses.This will be included in the terms of sale of your new horses.The American Quarter Horse Association has an official seal or signature on horse registration and pedigrees.
Step 21: Purchase.
Tell the sellers that you want to buy their horses by contacting them.The price of each horse can be negotiated after that.Before you buy a horse, make sure you get paperwork that shows it's registered and has good ancestry.Signing papers and checking contractual clauses are required to confirm the ancestry of each horse.It doesn't matter which breed you're breeding, some horses will cost you more and some will sell for more.The number of horses you start with should be determined by your research, land space, and budget.It's best to start small with less than 10 horses and see how it goes, rather than overextending yourself to find out you can't manage it.
Step 22: Gain knowledge of how to work with horses.
You need to know how to properly care for and understand horses.Before starting a breeding program for horses, you should know how to lead a horse, care for it, and tell if it is sick.
Step 23: Bring your horses to the farm.
It is best to leave a new horse alone for a couple of days until it settles in.To ease the transition, make a delicious treat.If you want to make something original, such as a sweet feed mix, you could go all out and make a basic mix.Your new horses are in an unfamiliar area and everything is different.The food will smell different and the water will taste different, so let them adjust and have the food there just in case they are hungry.Find out what the horse was fed.Depending on how much is changed, horses' diet needs to be adjusted over a period of several days.Gas, diarrhea and more serious problems can be brought about by sudden changes.
Step 24: Provide your horses with proper care.
Clean your horses' stalls and bodies daily.Keep them in good physical shape by riding them frequently.Make sure they respond well to a wide range of people.When riding in winter, be careful not to get your horses too hot and sweaty.Your horse could get sick quickly.If you'd like to ride in the wintertime, invest in a heated indoor arena.If you fall, you'll only land on sawdust and your horse won't be able to run off.
Step 25: All buildings and areas should be checked for safety.
You should keep an eye out for insect damage on wooden surfaces.It is important to replace fencing regularly so that your horses don't get loose.If you plan on keeping your horse in a stable at night, most of the day or even for an hour or two, you'll need to make sure it's safe.
Step 26: If necessary, choose a stud with good ability and good achievements.
Pick a stud to use for your breeding if you haven't bought one of your own.It's a good idea to take into account the cost of renting specific studs.If you want your stallion to be a purebred, make sure he is.Take advice from current horse breeders who have a good reputation with other breeders about what studs to use.You can check with your local horse association for more information.If you want to maintain high quality standards and see more healthy horses, most breeders will be happy to share information.A stallion is similar in size to your mare.If you breed a short mare to a tall stallion, the foal may have problems with lungs, legs and so forth, and may need to be euthanized.You should get foals with no deformities if you breed two horses that look alike.It is possible to artificially inseminating your breed mares.If you want to cover your mares, you don't have to have a stallion.
Step 27: When your mares go into heat, start breeding them.
When your mares are in heat, you can start breeding to a stallion.A good way to tell if a mare is in heat is to put her in a padded stall next to a stallion.If the mare moves her tail to one side and sidles her rump towards the stallion, that means she is in heat.She probably isn't in heat if she starts lashing out at the stallion.
Step 28: All of your new foals should be imprinted with training.
The horse will be easier to train if you introduce the foal with humans right after birth.As the foal is being delivered, you should towel it dry and lightly massage it.The horse will be introduced to positive interactions with humans immediately and will shape its ability to be trained successfully.A well-trained horse is likely to be friendlier and easier to work with.
Step 29: Continue to breed, train, and sell your horses.
It is important to be active in all parts of the business.This will make sure that you have a good stock of horses.Be kind to horses and always care for them.The horses and the customers can sense a good breeder.
Step 30: There is a horse farm.
Pick a name that expresses what your business is about.If possible, keep it sophisticated and creative.If you have a pleasant last name, you could use the words horse breeding.
Step 31: Make a website.
Quality, professional-looking websites can bring in more customers now that you're running a business.Consider hiring a professional web designer and paying for quality web hosting.A quality website will make a good impression, something that will set you apart from other breeders who don't spend a lot of time on their online presence.If you don't want to pay a fee, you can use one of the free web-hosting companies.Give the information people are looking for in an easy-to-read and professional website so they can find it.
Step 32: Promote your business.
You should set aside some of your budget to advertise your existence, your specialization and your availability as a horse trainer.For online reach, use Facebook and Google ads.You can advertise in horse magazines.At the front gate, make sure that you have a decent sign.You can use every media opportunity in the local press.If you like writing and photography, and have the time, it can be a great way to promote your horse farm.Horse breeding advice, a glimpse of your daily activities, and tips for caring for horses can be included.This can be an excellent form of outreach that will gain followers who might become customers in the future.
Step 33: Follow your business plan.
When buying, breeding, caring for, and selling horses, keep the plan.This will help ensure that you are on track to build a good reputation as a reliable and trusted breeder.
Step 34: Provide excellent customer service.
It is important to provide a better service than other people in the same business if you are focused, aware of your competitors' moves, and consistent in producing quality outcomes.Quality customers will be drawn to a quality business even if your prices are higher or your process takes longer.
Step 35: Don't forget to enjoy the journey of running your own business.
If your life is dedicated to horses, it's rewarding to breed horses.You will find yourself attached to the horses and the business as a whole.It is a good business if you run a tight budget and keep within your means.If you're doing what you love and making ends meet, breeding horses can be a satisfying career.Your expertise can be used to teach, write, advise, etc.The horses are also bred.
Step 36: If you start showing your horses, you'll get word out about your business.
Your business will get a lot of exposure if you are involved in showing your horses.The worth of your horses is promoted by the prizes or awards.There is a lot of research to be done, both online and by talking to others who show horses.