First do some research - what are you going to breed for? Pets, show
animals, fancy colors, performance horses, extra small miniatures, etc. To
do justice to the breed, one should choose only the best of breeding stock.
There are different "looks" in minis - some are very refined and Arabian
looking, some are more stocky and square like a quarter horse, there are
even draft types. What do you want to see in your pasture?
Learn which bloodlines are the most popular because bloodlines do sell.
What registries are the miniature horses papers from? There are several
registries available and you need to make sure your breeding stock is
eligible for the appropriate ones depending on the area in which you will
market your horses.
Showing can be a very important marketing tool. If you plan to show
your horses, see what shows are in your area - you could end up with minis
registered in the registry that doesn't offer shows in your area.
Do you want to drive your miniature horses? What type of driving
discipline strikes your fancy? A high stepping pleasure horse, a fast
roadster, a cross country trail horse, or even a mini draft hitch? These are
also questions you should ask yourself when choosing your stock.
Finding miniature horses to buy is half the fun, and now with the
internet, it is so much easier to find prospects. You will find lots of
miniature horse farms to visit, plus you can check out bloodlines, pictures
and prices from your desk.
Two very important tips you should consider in choosing your breeding
stock:
- You really, REALLY don't need a stallion at first. Since it should be
your goal to choose the best stallion to compliment each of your mares,
vary rarely will that happen to be the same horse. So obtaining stud
service from other breeders, though more trouble, is well worth the time
and money invested. At least for the first couple of years. And more than
likely you will soon have a dynamite colt that you just have to keep to
become the cornerstone of your farm.
- Don't rush into any purchases - it's very easy to buy now and have
regrets later. And believe me, they are like potato chips, you can't have
just one (or even a handful). Good luck if you decide that miniature
horse breeding is for you.