Buy 'em young? Hmmmmm...

[ASB Stars]

There is a thread on COTH, currently, started by Denny Emerson- who is not only a famed Eventing competitor, but a breeder of wonderful event horses, as well. This is fascinating, because it gives you an idea how the "outside" world sees the purchase of young stock. I am sure it will progress along- so you might want to check on it...

Bear in mind, some of these folks ARE breeders- so their view is different than someone purchasing "prete et porter". Or, ready to wear...

http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=100436

[GottaDrive]

Thanks Stars ... good thread. We all have very mixed feelings about buying youngsters not t mention weanlings. Actually, I think spring of year 2 year olds may be the most favorable combination of value and risk.

[D_BaldStockings]

From COTH it would seem that you need a performance pedigree close up to command a break even price -for a nice looking weanling, no big surprise. And their break even price for a weanling is over $6,500 minimum.

Also, that from yearling to 3 YO started horse the market profit vanishes during the growing years of the youngsters, no matter the pedigree.

There really is no $$ in breeding non-racing horses. And that is why SUPPORT, at least Kudos. Thank yous, and appreciation of what these dedicated people do for the Saddlebred is SO important. Without breeders there is no future.

To anyone out there with well fenced acreage: Buy 2 (not one) youngsters, get a rescue buddy horse and raise them like a good cowman would; tame but not overhandled, good feed and shelter, but not stalled or micromanaged. You will be doing the breeders the biggest service you can for their program. And as soon as you have those youngsters, get in touch with several riders/trainers and let them know you will be a resource for them of strong, well grown, sensible, ready to train young horses down the road. Find your market and build it before you need it.
More Ideas?
Thanks,
Mary

[GottaDrive]

You have to take a "business only" perspective to make money.