Boutique horse breeding on your own acreage

Recreational riders, pony club and showing families, small competition riders and other horse owners looking for a well-bred young horse.

Sale of foals and young horses, priced by breed, bloodlines and training. Sales are lumpy, often once or twice a year, so monthly figures are averages. Some breeders also earn from selling started or lightly broken-in horses.

• Horse handling and foaling knowledge
• Understanding bloodlines and conformation
• Patience, as results take 1 to 3 years
• Marketing and photography for sales listings

• Breeding is slow and costs continue for years before a foal sells, so budget for feed, farrier and vet bills
• Check council approval for keeping horses and running a business from your property
• Check whether you need a Property Identification Code (PIC) and what microchipping or identification rules apply in your state
• Hendra virus and other biosecurity risks, so talk to a vet about vaccination and handling protocols
• Public liability insurance for buyers and visitors, plus cover for mares and foals
• The tax office may treat a low-income hobby differently from a business, so check with an accountant

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your mares, property and setup. Breeding is slow and costs continue for years before a foal sells, so budget for feed, farrier and vet bills.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many foals you sell and at what age. Results can take 1 to 3 years, so income may be uneven while costs continue.

Check council approval for keeping horses and running a business from your property, whether you need a Property Identification Code (PIC), and your state's identification rules. Also talk to a vet about Hendra virus, and check insurance and tax treatment with an accountant.