How to Start a Horse Farm (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Starting a horse farm is not something to be taken lightly. In reality, this article can only show you some of the most important things to know, as you should read an inordinate amount of information to be able to qualify for the project to be successful, and you should be able to understand if you are the right person to undertake. this activity. However, there are some basic essentials that will help you get started in the business and decide if this is right for you. Saddle the horse and learn what is needed!

Steps

Part 1 of 8: Is this the right business for you?

Step 1. You must be sure not only that you want to start a horse farm, but also that you are prepared to face the problems and challenges that will arise, including physical, emotional and financial ones

If you have owned horses in the past, you will already know that there is a lot of work to be done and that it is a rather expensive activity. Breeding will increase the work, expenses, worries and attachment to the activity: simply owning a horse does not prepare you in the least for everything you will have to face. You will also have to deal with marketing, check and refer to the origin of the horses in a detailed and reliable way, check the income and expenses, in short, you will take care of the administrative side above the care of the horse, being an operator in the sector. A brief overview of the pros and cons of turning your hobby into a business will help you decide if this is really what you want to do. Here are some pros and cons that will help you decide:

• Benefits: If you love horses, working with them means that you will find yourself doing what you love, and this is an important element of a successful small business. Also, if you already know what it is, you will be at an advantage over others starting the business from scratch, without knowing any goods or animals. Other benefits include:

  • The opportunity to ride regularly
  • The possibility of always being close to the horses
  • Taking care of the foals
  • Selling Horses for More Money - This is optional if you operate a horse farm, but becomes a necessity to avoid overcrowding, to remove unfit horses, and to keep the business well funded. It can be a source of pride to know that your horses are going elsewhere, but it's also the emotional side of the job.
  • Operate as a stable, offering the services of your stallions, mares if appropriate, and perhaps offering accommodation and means to raise foals. This can be a source of pride and a very rewarding financial aspect, but don't underestimate the responsibilities that come with it.

• DisadvantagesThere are many disadvantages to owning a horse farm, including the initial costs of purchasing land, stables, equipment, feed and horses. You will need quality horses, and this initial outlay can be very expensive. There probably won't be big takings at first, which means you'll have to tighten your belt for a while. Other disadvantages include:

  • The constant need for high quality food for horses; you could consider making the feed yourself if possible, or creating a cooperative with other horse owners in your area.
  • The need for adequate equipment, supplies, saddles, which increase expenses. At the start of the business, take advantage of the incentives, discounts for those who are part of that professional activity, and buy what you need even through auctions or sales. If you're smart and lucky, you may find a farm closing down that sells off both animals and other goods.
  • Increased regular vet visits - having more horses means potential increased problems, including maintenance of general health, such as deworming and vaccinations, small daily injuries can lead to illness and cause more serious damage. You will need to take into account that emergency treatments may be needed at least once a year, so create a fund to use in these cases and plan for good insurance coverage.
  • Increased regular farrier visits - necessary to ensure that all horses' hooves are kept in the best condition; a good appearance of the horses is a symbol of quality assured in the eyes of the customer, so never skimp on this aspect.
  • Increased workload and responsibility. It is clear that more horsepower means more work, and also more manure to shovel.
  • You need ongoing legal and financial advice to help you stay within your budget and for things that are beyond your control.

  

  Step 2. Have knowledge and experience on how to work with horses

  It is extremely important to know how to handle a horse, take care of it and interpret its behavior. You don't need to know how to ride, but if you can't, then you'll need to hire someone who can keep the horse fit and well trained as many people only buy horses trained to ride (except foals). Buyers will think it's a little odd that you have a horse farm without knowing how to ride, so unless there are health reasons, it's best to learn to ride.

  Part 2 of 8: Finding a location for the business

  

  Step 1. This depends on what you can spend and what the horses need - it takes a lot of space to run and keep separate horses that cannot be bred at the same time or that shouldn't be close together, for example two horses that don't go. agree

  Also, check zoning regulations before considering any property to make sure your business is an acceptable use. It would be best to buy fertile land with lots of green grass, hay, alfalfa; otherwise you will have to spend more money on feed. Agricultural organizations will test the soil to help you identify the species of grasses present in your soil, and will also analyze the mineral content of the soil. If you plan to keep horses on pasture all year round, the grass will need to be rich in vitamins and minerals suitable for horses. It also needs to grow back quickly. On the other hand, if the weather does not allow it, during the winter you will need to keep the horses sheltered, so you will need adequate housing, a barn and tools to carry the manure away easily, and a small outdoor area to exercise. horses on less cold days.

  • Each horse needs approximately 1000 square meters. It is always better to have a lot of space.
  • You will need at least two separate areas, one for the stallions and one for the mares. If you have more than one stallion, you will need more areas (keeping two stallions in the same area is not recommended). Additionally, there is a need to rotate pastures, thus allowing them to regrow, in order to regularly provide horses with fresh grass, which means you will need more pasture than you thought.
  • It is preferable to buy land already equipped with a barn, an external shed for the winter, a place to park the horse trailer, and any other needs. Otherwise you will see that the costs will rise rapidly.
  • Ask about the water supply - look for a guaranteed, quality supply that has plenty of water. Rivers, ponds, dams, or the like are great sources of water, but you'll need to make sure algae isn't a problem in the warmer months. On the other hand, too much water can damage the pasture, and cause problems for horses to walk in muddy conditions.

  Step 2. Remove all sharp and dangerous rocks from the pasture, barbed wire and poisonous plants that could harm the horses

  • Check for dips or holes in the ground. It is preferable that there are no rodents or other animals digging holes in the ground, to prevent the horses from getting hurt. If there are holes, consider whether the measures to eliminate the cause of the holes are acceptable or not

    

  • Areas with snakes should be checked for their presence in the pasture. Snakes and horses don't have to be put together, so by eliminating favorable conditions for snakes' habitat, you can reduce the likelihood of their presence. It is preferable not to have wooden stakes, piles of trash and the like that could encourage the presence of rodents, which in turn attract snakes.

    

  • Check for any toxic plants. Trees are very useful for shading but can cause problems if they produce toxic berries, seeds or leaves. Identify the plants present using a guide before purchasing. Removing a single offending tree is not a problem, but when it comes to clearing a grove or land full of herbs, it becomes problematic. Here is a list of common poisonous plants for horses:

    

  Part 3 of 8: Equip the activity with all the essentials

  

  Step 1. Equipping the areas and building a barn, supplying water, building sheds and so on

  • Building shelter for the hottest days is essential. If you use trees to create shade, make sure they are non-toxic. Trees also need care as they can sometimes be nicked or eaten. A shed to create shade should be built in pastures that do not have trees. The construction can have 3 or 4 sides, and it won't be very expensive.
  • Position the shelter exposing it to the south for the northern hemisphere, vice versa for the southern one, in order to make the most of summer breezes cooling
  • If you have to build all the structures, before starting the activity calculate the exact deadlines and costs. Many construction projects cost more than the budgeted amount. Also, contact multiple manufacturers for different quotes. Rely only on builders registered in a recognized association.

  

  Step 2. Build a good fence around the property

  This is extremely important if you don't want horses to run away or get hurt near the fence. It will cost you, but it's worth it.

  • The best fences consist of tall, thick hedges, with a wooden fence in front. If you don't have time, even a good wooden fence can do, or metal bars. If you use non-toxic and strong wood, the fence could last 15 to 20 years. The trick is to cure it - they can be attacked by woodworms, or horses can nibble on them themselves. Check the fence regularly and replace as needed. To prevent horses from chewing on the fence, you can try using special electric viles along the fence to keep horses at a distance. Many line fences with white vinyl because it requires less maintenance.
  • Alternatively, there are the electric fences. Provided it is properly grounded and made with quality wire, using at least 3-4 rows, it is a convenient and safe solution. Most horses get away from it after a few jolts. However, it can sometimes frighten a horse so much that it destroys the fence, so special care should be taken for wild or particularly lively horses.
  • Never use pig wire fences. Horses (and other wild animals such as deer) can accidentally get entangled in them.
  • Barbed wire is not suitable for horse play. Barbed wire was designed for cows - horses can be seriously injured, even permanently, if caught in barbed wire.

  Step 3. Obtain the necessary equipment, such as grooming tools, a lead rope, a halter, and feed and water tanks

  Also, make sure you have cleaning supplies for the paddock / pasture and any other areas where horses spend their time. Equipment includes a spade or shovel, and a rake if you keep the horse in the stable. When cleaning and changing the bedding, you will need a bucket or wheelbarrow for transportation. Buy good quality tools, both new and used, as good quality tools are better and last longer which is cheaper in the long run.

  

  Step 4. Check the amount of food for the horses

  Horses need a lot of food to maintain their physical condition. If a horse is underweight, it needs to eat more, if it is overweight, it needs less feed. Know what the horse was fed with prior to your purchase; it takes several days to regularize the horse's diet. Remember that the amount of oats you give your horse depends a lot on how hard it is working. Here are the basic components of a horse diet:

  • Feed - horses eat roughage to keep them warm. When buying hay, look at the quality - it must be nutritious, but it must not make the horse fat. Try to buy grassy hay, or oat hay. If you take alfalfa, try to get a second or better yet a third cut, so the hay will be more fibrous and not too rich.

  • Concentrated - Horses in the paddock usually eat grass, and you will need to add some hay to maintain their physical condition. However, some horses require hand feeding every day, twice a day, or every day depending on the horse. The best blend is alfalfa and oats or wheat. Alfalfa will provide a high content of protein and calcium, wheat will provide a source of fiber. This is when the horse eats to get full, but the food does not add or take away the nutrients. This method is used when you want to make a horse grow faster without adding other substances to the food.

    • Older horses with bad teeth should be given a decent amount of chaff so they don't have to chew as much and can still get fiber and energy, which also helps maintain a healthy appetite.
    • When you feed the horse chaff (especially alfalfa-based), add water to form a gruel. This will prevent the animals from suffocating.
    • Also, do not feed the chaff to horses immediately after exercise, or they may choke due to a lack of saliva to shred the chaff and swallow it smoothly. Then, after the exercise, get the horse to drink.
  • Supplements - Pellets and grain are great for gaining weight and maintaining it. They are also useful when a boost of energy is required for a show, or when the horse needs to get up. Boiled grains are best as they help put on weight and, during the colder months, help keep the horse warm. If you don't waste time boiling them, get a steamed or mashed type. Whole grains must be ground before consumption, as they expand on contact with moisture. If you are new and want something easier and more convenient, choose a Pelleted Mix. There are many on the market and it can be difficult to find the right one for your horse. The best thing to start with is a Lucurn pellet or a fresh pellet - these add no extra energy and provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals. After a while you can try different products until you find the perfect one.

  Part 4 of 8: Buying the horses

  

  Step 1. Find out which breeds are selling well in your area and around

  Depending on what customers want in a horse, you might consider breeding trained horses, walking horses, or competitive horses. Of course, most horses are capable of multiple activities. Do more research than you think is necessary - don't lean on your knowledge. Find out who is selling good animals at the moment, which horses are renowned for and what characteristics, the types of problems you will face in caring for that particular breed of horse, etc. Ask other breeders for advice and visit their facilities. Go to horse sales as an observer to understand how auctions work. Look for horse farms for sale and the asking price. Do extensive research to be well informed and to be sure of the breeding you are choosing.

  • Do not start a breeding of rare or exotic breeds unless you have had experience with them. Start with a breed you know well and have worked with before.
  • If you choose a very popular horse (such as a Quarter), you will have to compete with other breeders to sell, and lower prices. However, if your aim is to provide quality in all respects, consider it as part of your business plan, and stick to the plan when you buy, breed, care for and sell horses, so you will be well on your way to building a good and solid. reputation as a reliable breeder. In business, as long as you are focused, aware of competitors' moves, and consistent in having quality results, you can always provide a better service than other people doing the same business as you.
  • If you want to breed racehorses, it requires a huge outlay of money and should only be started by someone with excellent knowledge of the racing industry, or you could make big and costly mistakes.

  

  Step 2. It doesn't matter what breed you are breeding, but obviously some horses will cost you more, and some will sell more

  Before buying a horse, make sure it is registered, a thoroughbred, and has good bloodlines or lineages. This means observing papers and checking contractual clauses that confirm the ancestry of each horse you buy. The number of horses to start with should be determined by your research, the extent of the land and your budget. It is better to start small and see how it goes, rather than going overboard and failing to run the business.

  • If possible, also purchase a stallion for your animals to mate and breed for free. But first learn how to manage and care for a stallion. If you are not ready to have a stallion, it does not matter: it is good to recognize your limitations. Look for suitable stallions nearby and make sure you have a suitable means of transport for the horses (you will need it anyway, for vet visits and shows).
  • Research the pedigree of the horse you are interested in. A horse's lineage can affect the quality of the offspring, a thorough understanding of the pedigree of that particular breed is necessary. The pedigree is nothing more than a pedigree of the horse, and should list the mother, father, grandparents and so on. Reputable horse breeders will be able to include pedigree in terms of selling your new horses.

  Part 5 of 8: Horse care

  

  Step 1. Take care of the horses and keep them in top shape

  Ride them often, but be careful not to make them sweat when riding in winter (unless you have an indoor space to ride them) as horses can get sick very easily.

  If you want to ride them in the winter, consider the possibility of an indoor arena. They are also useful for training horses, teaching children or riding a horse at a trot for the first time, so in the event of a fall, you will end up on sawdust and the horse will not be able to run away

  Part 6 of 8: Bringing new horses home for breeding

  

  Step 1. Establish a proper diet before bringing new horses to the farm, based initially on what the horses are used to eating, then gradually bring them to your chosen diet (if necessary)

  When a new horse enters an unfamiliar environment, it is best to leave him alone for at least a couple of days until he gets used to it. To aid the process, prepare something mouthwatering and tasty to ease the transition. For example, a mixture of chaff and wheat, or something original like bran biscuits or a mix of sweet feeds. Whatever you choose, don't get into the bad habit of overeating. If the horse does not eat the meal, do not force it. It is in an unfamiliar place and everything is new and different. The water will taste different, the food will smell different, so let it adapt and leave the food there in case you are hungry.

  Find out what the horse ate before buying; it takes a few days to regularize the horse's diet. Sudden changes can lead to gas, diarrhea, and more serious complications

  

  Step 2. Do a security check of the building regularly

  If you are going to keep horses in the stable overnight, most of the day or even for an hour or two, you need to make sure it is safe. Make sure there is a sufficient source of water; a large bucket will suffice if kept in the building for only a few hours, at night or all day, use a drinking trough or an automatic tap. Provide adequate bedding such as straw or wood chips. Remember that bedding should be approved bedding, as some wood and lumber by-products can be toxic to horses.

  Part 7 of 8: Starting the breeding

  Step 1. Have mare and stallion mate at the right time

  The mare must be in heat for mating to be successful.

  • One way to tell if the mare is in heat is to take her to a stable and place a stallion nearby. If the mare moves her tail to one side, and moves her rump towards the stallion, then she is probably in heat. If he lashes out at the stallion, then he is probably not in heat.

    

  • Choose a stallion with a good pedigree, good results and good skills. Also, people are very fond of thoroughbreds, and also horses with a good conformation for what they will have to do. Seek and take advice from horse breeders who have an excellent reputation among breeders. Most breeders will be happy to share the information, as they are as interested as you are in maintaining high quality standards and seeing healthier horses.

    

  • Breed horses of similar breeds. It is known that if you mate for example a small mare with a very tall stallion, the foal can have deformed lungs, legs, and so on, and you should put him down. However, if you mate two very similar horses, you will get foals without deformities, plus the foals will look alike! Do a lot of research and ask for advice on the best way to breed horses. Don't take anything for granted.

    

  

  Step 2. Train the new foals

  It is essential to familiarize the foal with humans, so it will be easier to train. A well-trained horse is also more valuable, it will likely be friendlier, and it will be easier to work with it.

  

  Step 3. Continue to breed, train, ride and sell your horses

  Always take care of them and be kind - horses and customers can tell if a breeder is kind, outgoing and trustworthy.

  Make sure you get involved in the horse shows. Awards or accolades are a vital part of promoting the value of your horses. Performances are a huge topic in their own right, so do a lot of research, questions, and get involved

  Part 8 of 8: Promote your business

  

  Step 1. Name your farm

  Use something creative and sophisticated if possible.

  

  Step 2. Open a website dedicated to your business

  There are quite a few free web hosting. However, now that you are a business, it is not the time to save on small amounts of advertising expenses to bring in more customers. A quality website will make a good impression, something that will set you apart from breeders who don't trust online advertising - people expect to find all the information they're looking for in an easy-to-read and professional website, so give them that. they seek.

  Keep pricing and important information where customers can see awards and information! Don't hide behind modesty - customers want to know your horses are award winners

  

  Step 3. Promote your business

  Set aside some money to advertise your company, your specialty and your availability as a horse breeder / enthusiast / trainer. Use Google and Facebook ads for online advertising. Advertise in important magazines of interest in the sector and in associations / clubs. Make sure you have a good sign advertising the business in front of the main gate. Take advantage of every opportunity to advertise yourself, even using the local press!

  If you like writing and photography, and you have the time, start a blog about your kennel, or offer consultancy services for breeding horses. These are great forms of outreach and you will gain interested followers, who may even turn into customers from time to time

  

  Step 4. Last but not least, enjoy the ride

  Breeding horses is hard but rewarding work, especially if your life is dedicated to horses. You will find yourself emotionally attached to animals, to what happens to them and to the company as a whole. Most of all, always having a tight budget and staying within your means, you will find that it is a healthy and financially rewarding business. You will not become a millionaire, but if you are doing what you love and manage to get by just fine, then it will all be a good thing and as the experience increases, you will also be able to teach and give advice.

  Advice

  • If you have an excess of manure, try using it as a fertilizer or try selling it
  • Be realistic. If you're always at a loss, get financial advice to fix things quickly - don't let things get out of hand before you seek help. The worst that can happen is the loss of your beloved horses and the farm, so do it for them, seek financial advice on a regular basis.
  • Try to have fun. Don't let the stress of running the business hold you back. You will get what you signed up for - a lot of work, but also a lot of love!
  • If a horse has already won awards, it will most likely sell more.
  • Make sure you are fit. This is not an office job and you will need to physically work most days.

  Warnings

  • Owning animals on a farm is a 24/7 business. You won't be able to stay away for long periods of time. Build a good network with other local farmers and take turns looking after each property (it doesn't matter if they have horses or cows, sheep, pigs, crops, whatever, as long as you're ready to take care of them). This way they can help each other in times of emergency or on an occasional short break.
  • Remember you get what you paid for. Saving money on equipment, shelter, food, pasture management, etc. will pay off with reduced quality and poorer earnings.
  • Always be careful when handling horses, especially stallions. He always wears a helmet and riding boots near the horses. Remember that even if your horse loves you and would never hurt you on purpose, the same safety precautions should be used as with a stranger horse, as anything could happen.