How to Start a Horse Breeding Business?

Passionate about the world of horses, do you dream of making it your full-time job? In this case, it is necessary that you now know everything there is to know about horse breeding. To do this, discover the profession of horse breeder: what it is, the missions it involves, the equestrian profession itself as well as the training to become a breeder.

What is a horse breeder?

Before you start buying a broodmare or taking part in an eventing horse riding competition, you must start at the beginning, that is to say find out about the subject. So from the mission to the salary, including training and opportunities, learn everything about the profession of horse breeder. First of all, know that the equine breeder specializes in all equines and not just in the world of horses. He is responsible for training horses and ponies, but also donkeys. And this profession can be practiced in various places: An open-air breeding farm or in a traditional horse farm, a racing stable or even a stud farm.

Equine breeding can be linked to agricultural operations and not only to sport horses or racing horses. Therefore, it is important to differentiate an equine breeder from a rider in an equestrian center. The first mission of a breeder, whether a beginner employee or self-employed, is to take care of the well-being of their horses, long before turning them into competition horses. A rancher will be more akin to veterinarians and must at least master a few concepts about the health of horses, ponies, thoroughbreds and stallions.

What are the missions of a horse breeder?

A horse breeder, whatever their breed, must ensure the health of his herd by providing them with basic care, feeding them and training them so that they remain in good health. A good horse breeder knows how to be versatile and play the role of veterinarian and farrier for basic needs, but will also know how to turn to a professional in case of urgent need.

The equine breeder will also have to take care of the mares as well as the reproduction of new pairs of horses, crosses and everything that happens around the horse. He will be responsible for selecting the breeding stock himself, whether stallions or broodmares, and will give birth to the young with the help of the veterinarian if necessary. Therefore, one cannot become a horse breeder without solid basic knowledge of animal biology. The equine breeder will also be responsible for the maintenance of his premises as well as the pastures and the selection of food as well as the equestrian activities.

The conditions for becoming a horse breeder

If you do not have hectares of land, you can still become a salaried horse breeder by working under the responsibility of a breeding manager. However, if you want to start a business, nothing stops you from becoming the owner or manager of your livestock by renting land and preparing your business plan.

Since your role as a horse breeder will be to ensure the health of your equines every day, it is important that you have several essential qualities. For example, you must have solid equine knowledge. This knowledge of horse anatomy, behavior and physiology is truly essential, both for your safety and for that of the horses. You will not be able to carry out your daily missions successfully if you do not know exactly what you are getting into beforehand.

Many new enthusiasts think that it is enough to take care of horses a little to call themselves a professional breeder. However, it is far from being that simple because setting up as a breeder requires knowing everything about horses. For example, antiparasitic treatment, grooming, maintenance of stables, saddlery equipment as well as cleaning of boxes and many other concrete details.

Qualities and training required to become a horse breeder

If you want to become a horse breeder and enter the world of dressage horses, equestrian tourism, leisure horses and horse boarding, you will need to be in good physical condition. Indeed, horse breeding is not an easy task and you will need good physical and mental resistance. You will need to be able to handle standards and deal with bad weather and cold.

To be an equine breeder, you must also be very available because it is important that you monitor the health of your animals at all times. As an owner of young horses, this won't be difficult if you are truly passionate about what you do. However, it's a different story if you are an employee. This is why it is generally necessary for horse breeders to reside on-site at the ranch or equestrian center, or nearby, in case of urgent need.

What training to become a horse breeder?

Knowing how to gallop and having passed riding school will not be enough to become a horse breeder. On the other hand, you do not necessarily need a professional qualification to set up as a horse breeder. You will be able to obtain assistance to set up as a horse breeder, however, you will need to have certain diplomas or have followed professional training specific to the world of horses and breeding.

At baccalaureate level you can access the professional baccalaureate in the conduct and management of the horse-racing business or the professional certificate of horse-racing business manager

At bac+2 level, you can access the BTSA PA in animal production, specialty in equine breeding or the BTSA ACSE analysis, management and strategy of the agricultural operation

At bac+3 level, you can access the professional management and organizational management license or follow continuing training.

A horse breeder can then follow other training to become a trader in horse sales, riding teacher or equestrian tourism guide. A horse breeder generally receives a salary equivalent to his experience and his status. A beginner in the horse world generally only earns the minimum wage. and a more experienced person could see their salary rise to €3,000 gross.