We have a working farm ( definition meaning a farm run for profit and fun) and don't make a lot of money, but we do see some profits from the operation. For many years we did not though, due to not having the right kind of stock to produce the type horses that would make a profit. We actually ended up keeping one stallion (Rio) and 6 mares from the original herd of about 45, when we decided to get serious about a breeding program.
We have upgraded our other stallions from a conformation and bloodline standpoint over the last 7 - 10 years. Adding Buckeroo, Patton and Baccarra ( a buckeroo son), La Vista Farms bloodlines etc. to our breeding program along with the established "Rio" line we already had. Additionally we have started offering horses for export overseas, improved our fencing, barns etc at a fairly expensive cost, at least to us.
Currently we run about 65 mares plus 8 breeding stallion on 31 acres of which probally 30 per year are bred for the most part. We are constantly culling from the bottom each year and this last year we only bred 12 mares, because they had all slipped down in the year as far as due dates. Which causes a problem when it is time for the babies to be shown, if you want them to be competitive. It is things such as that that impact the cost of running a farm and have to be considered when planning a sucessful orperation. We did not do a good job of managing it and it cost us this year. Every year we plan each and every breeding in an effort to produce the type horse we are looking for. Some crosses work, some do not and it takes time to fiqure out what will work with your particular horses.
With two people working full time outside with the horses and Cindy, plus a part time secretary to keep breeding records, registration papers etc. straight, it is a very busy place.
Trainers which we used for years, but do not use now days for a number of reasons. The main one being we wanted our horses here at home for the grandkids to work with on a daily basis. Work at basically a minimum wage type deal except for the make ready and travel charges they get. The 300 - 425.00 per month currently being charged is by no means a major profit center for them according to some of my friends that are full time trainers.
If you are thinking about opening a training center I would advise you that it is a long uphill battle to gain the reputation and experience needed to make it profitable.
If you are planning on a breeding farm, My advice would be to get the best quality conformation wise and the best blood lines combined when you start out. It will serve you better to feed and take care of two or three good horses than 10 lesser horses if you want to try and make this deal pay for itself. Even then it is a long uphill battle to carve out a niche that will be profitable for you. Even with the proper horses and techniques it still takes a lot of hard work and a little luck to be successful. Plus the money to advertise etc. to portray your horses in the market for others consider.
As a final suggestion, buy and breed what you like as far as type, colors etc., so that if the financial gains are not there for you, at least you can enjoy these little guys for the wonderful animals they are.
Realize that there are many exceptional horses produced each year from small breeders, so it is not a size thing. But rather a quality counts in all cases from marketing, to showing, to eventual sales.
Hope all that rambling helps in some way.
Good luck and if I can provide you with any more information, let us know.
:saludando: