People say they are cutting back on breeding?

[nootka]

When did you start breeding miniature horses?

-1996

How many foals have been born on your property?

17

We have two mares, all of them that are breeding age, bred for 2009, though we will NOT be re-breeding anyone for 2010 and maybe not ever again.

It's too difficult to breed for such low prices although I feel my foals are good to high quality I am not able to move them at any price, it seems. Tired of being ridiculed by the SO for that fact, and of course the thought of the sleepless nights, the money, the time factor, it all adds up to not really being worth it although I will miss the babies so this Spring will be especially nice in light of that fact.

We ARE cutting back (we had no foals born in 2008 although we did try for one, it didn't happen) and I feel it's for the best for my situation. I simply don't have the time or the money to market my horses and even if I did, it usually ends up being a wash although it IS fun (to go to shows and have pro photos taken, etc) so this is far from a complaint, just stating the facts.

Liz

 

[StarRidgeAcres]

Bought our first in 2003, had our first foal in 2006 (from a mare purchased already bred), had our first "home-bred" foal this year (Scarlet). In 2009 we'll have 2.5 foals coming, one by Corona, one by Glenns General Patton and one from a mare we co-own. She's a Call Me Sir daughter and the stallion is a Buckeroo son.

2010 will be our "real" first year of any significant foals being born. Of course, if 2009 doesn't progress well, we may change our minds and breed fewer.