Wow, a growing sisterhood. My oldest youngster is four this year. I just haven’t bred any mares since the economy went off the cliff. Last year I was optimistic and bought a breeding in an auction, then didn’t use it. I thought this would be my year to get back in the game, but it hasn’t happened.
Just too sad to share a lot of details. I can’t even say I have retired. I just haven’t bred any mares.
It is very hard to hear about all of you that our hanging up the towel, but hope you will stay involved on some level going forward. We wish you all happy trails.
I am a relatively young breeder but have certainly seen some bad years. However, to keep things light, I will add that I have had my best year yet. It is years like this that make up for all of the tough ones. I am sure that many of those that have just stated that they are retiring, would not have given up the time that they spent developing their breeding program. I am starting a young family of my own, and I hope that one of my own chooses to show interest in this passion of mine. Time will tell, but if not, I will not feel like it was for nothing. I have already impacted many people as a result of my breeding program, and they will certainly find my efforts worth it all.
So again, I am sorry to hear that you will move on to other things, but I am glad that you have spent the time you have breeding sport horses. We all will benefit from your efforts, thanks for your contributions.
Tim - member of the North American sport horse breeding community.
It is sad to see … makes a person wonder what is in store for the industry as a whole …
While it’s a passion with many of us, I think we all reach a point where you just get sick of ‘doing chores’ … especially with the economy the way it is-- you might as well pay someone to beat your head against that wall.
Still, I tired being ‘horseless’ and it lasted about 90 days … it’s good to keep a few around to enjoy. The problem is… they seem to be like potato chips … next thing you know you have 20 head!
That ‘exit strategy’ is something to think about … at any age 
So sad to hear, and what a tough decision. Breeding is not only a business, but a passion and anyone who has stayed up for foal watch can testify to the love you must have to put up with it!
Maybe we could start something to put newer breeders in touch with those hoping to retire so that we can keep some bloodlines/programs from going extinct?
[QUOTE=JustMyStyle;6429759]
So sad to hear, and what a tough decision. Breeding is not only a business, but a passion and anyone who has stayed up for foal watch can testify to the love you must have to put up with it!
Maybe we could start something to put newer breeders in touch with those hoping to retire so that we can keep some bloodlines/programs from going extinct?[/QUOTE]
I know most of us would be happy to help newcomers.
I’m sorry to see there won’t be any foals for you, but I surely understand. There will be no ore in the barn where I work, either. Last year was our last. I am glad to see you keep your mares, and I can see why you want to hang onto that fabulous little filly!
Threads like this scare me! It makes me contemplate my own sanity for being addicted to this thing called breeding.
The beauty is you can still be active by imparting your knowledge through this forum, educating new breeders and maybe even living vacariously through others foals!
I dream of having enough money to employ staff and having 3-4 broodmares. Until I win the lottery I will stick with my manageable 1-2 mares and breed every other year.
I agree though about losing a good producing mare line. Maybe you can offer breeding leases to people you trust so they can continue to enjoy breeding your fantastic mares??? And see the fruits of your labor without all the labor!
I got my start with TB mares in the late '80s, then older imported WB mares. If younger breeders wanted to use some of these lovely 2nd generation WB mares, speak up.
These girls are healthy and well cared for.
The KWPN-NA has started a program for leasing Dutch mares to keep them in production but only to qualified lessors.
What a lovely group of breeders to be retiring. There will be a hole missing from the sport horse breeding community, for sure. While I breed ponies, I have admired many of you for a long time, and do hope you “stick around” to chat because so much of your knowledge is overwhelmingly irreplaceable.
[QUOTE=Sportpony;6428939]
Th is my last Weltstern daughter, now 19 … and she is bred back to my pony stallion this year for a sportpony foal. No more ‘big’ foals for me to try to handle.
And the numbers are still coming down slowly … but as you say … the hardest part of this is knowing when I am finally forced to quit breeding there is nobody to really carry on with what I’ve developed over the last 20-plus years.[/QUOTE]
I wish I was in a position to take over entirely. But I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve taught me already, and how you’ve helped me focus, and well, kind of drop-kicked me into my dream.:winkgrin:
We don’t know what the future will bring, but I hope it’s some comfort to know that you and your horses have already helped shape mine.
And hey, I think this is a pretty good mare line to go on with
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg210/ArrowsFlight/Horses/Ourbaby.jpg)
Absolutely. I had so much help and good advice when I first dipped a toe into the breeding pond. Every new breeder should have someone to bounce ideas off of, as well as a shoulder to cry on when times are bad. :yes:
[QUOTE=Home Again Farm;6431234]
Every new breeder should have someone to bounce ideas off of, as well as a shoulder to cry on when times are bad. :yes:[/QUOTE]
Old breeders need this too, lots!:winkgrin:
[QUOTE=JustMyStyle;6429759]
So sad to hear, and what a tough decision. Breeding is not only a business, but a passion and anyone who has stayed up for foal watch can testify to the love you must have to put up with it!
Maybe we could start something to put newer breeders in touch with those hoping to retire so that we can keep some bloodlines/programs from going extinct?[/QUOTE]
:yes: I would love that too.
I used to have a wonderful young woman working for me, and she gave me hope for the future.
She was a great worker, a wonderful rider, excellent with the stallion and the babies, and kind hearted and fun.
I always said she was better than me on my best day.
I wanted to adopt her.
Unfortunately she and her husband had to move away for his work, and I have not been able to find anyone else who could pick up the reins from me.
Reading all these posts makes me think we just may need a support group sometime soon.
:sadsmile:
Goodness! I had no idea so many were phasing out of breeding. It makes me sad, but I completely understand as well. I hear the part about judging too–I think the numbers are incredibly low this summer (as well as last) around here for sport horse breeding classes. I’m not really sure what the solution is. I know it isn’t worth it for me to go to the expense, travel, etc. to show, and then be the only horse in the class.
I’m glad to hear that many will continue to share their knowledge! Good luck as you embark on new adventures!
[QUOTE=Riverotter;6430674]
We don’t know what the future will bring, but I hope it’s some comfort to know that you and your horses have already helped shape mine.[/QUOTE]
And it is people like you that are going on with the bloodlines I’ve worked with that keep me looking toward the future.
I love the idea of a mentorship program for new breeders. I am new to the breeding world. I have had 5 foals now in a span of 4 years and would love a breeder to ask questions and just get the chance to pick their brain!! Maybe there should be a thread for new and old breeders to connect who are willing to devote time to help out us newbies!!
Good luck to all who are retiring from breeding. Many of you have been very helpful with answering my questions on the coth.
Sonesta - I understand where you are COMPLETELY. I started cutting back on breeding two years ago. This year we bred more than our norm because I don’t plan to bred next year. I want to go to the WEG’s at Normandy in 2014 and don’t want to have foals that I’d worry about while taking one of the few extended vacations I get!!!
I find breeding the German ponies is more of a focus and just one or 2 WB’s is enough. This is my 26th year breeding and I, like you, know I’d like more time to do other things.
I am into my 5th season now as a warmblood breeder and it should be our best producing season yet. I have been fortunate to have some wonderful top breeders I can go to for advice when I need to. Their experience and knowledge is priceless! Now I just need to have the market turn upwards again so we can sell some of the magnificent babies we have produced.
It is really hard to pour your soul, not to mention your money, blood, sweat and tears into something and not be able to break even, much less make a profit. If the buyers out there knew what it truly cost to produce that “dream horse” they are interested in, they would not be so resistant to paying a fair price for him/her. No wonder so many breeders are giving up and retiring. It is truly sad for our industry.
I wish all of you the best in your retirement. I hope to be doing this for many more years, but if things do not improve economically soon, that may not be possible. Money is a finite thing. I will at least give it another year or so.
[QUOTE=hrfponies;6432948]
I love the idea of a mentorship program for new breeders. I am new to the breeding world. I have had 5 foals now in a span of 4 years and would love a breeder to ask questions and just get the chance to pick their brain!! Maybe there should be a thread for new and old breeders to connect who are willing to devote time to help out us newbies!!
Good luck to all who are retiring from breeding. Many of you have been very helpful with answering my questions on the coth.[/QUOTE]
I am honored to say that Clint has provided me with an endless sounding board and advice for the past 4 years. Being able to talk to someone who knows the financial and emotional cost of breeding has been something that I have treasured and for which I cannot express my gratitude.
I also have to give a shout out to Kathy St Martin who has never been to busy to answer my questions.
MM, I don’t know about the advice part, but I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing experiences with you over the years. Thanks for the kind words.
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