For many reasons, breeding your own horse is an attractive proposition.

But the merits of such a project are debatable, especially because oversupply and the economic climate have produced a buyers’ market, while the associated costs of keeping and producing horses have kept rising.

So how much does it cost to breed and keep a young horse?

Adding it up

Pre-breeding examination: £120

CEM, EVA, EIA tests: £120

Stud fee: £600 + collection fee, delivery and VAT: £840

Stud livery (three weeks grass only) £42/per week + VAT : £150

Veterinary package forAI (chilled or fresh semen) £375

Mare keep for the year: £1,000

Autumn pregnancy diagnosis:£60

Stud mix: £13/per week 16 bags: £208

Flu and tetanus boosters: £60

Foaling fee and mare livery: £400

Mare and foal vet check: £80

Passport,microchipping,breed registration, DNA test: £200

Castration: £150

Three years keep including routine care £1,500/annum (minimum): £4,500

Total approximate cost before backing: £8,263

(These figures give an idea of approximate costs of breeding your own horse, providing everything is straightforward. Any travel costs during this time will be extra.)

For the full article about the cost of breeding don’t miss this week’s sport horse special, where we also meet dressage’s number one sire De Niro, find out what makes a good damsire and visit Louella Stud

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