Full-time stud breeding and producing youngsters

Competition riders, serious amateurs, professional yards and owners looking for a quality young horse or pony.

Sale of foals, yearlings and older youngsters, plus extras such as stud fees if you own a stallion, or selling started horses. Sales are seasonal and uneven, so figures are monthly averages.

• Experienced horse handling and foaling
• Knowledge of bloodlines and breed standards
• Marketing and selling to buyers
• Farm and budget management

• Large upfront costs and a long wait before sales cover them, so check you have enough savings to cover the first couple of years
• Check planning permission for stables, barns and any change of land use with your council
• Check horse passport, microchip and breed society registration requirements
• If you hire staff, you will need employer's liability insurance
• If you add livery, riding lessons or visitors, check licensing and insurance rules with your council
• Market prices can change and young horses carry health and injury risks

Startup costs are typically around £30,000 to £150,000, depending on land, buildings, mares and equipment. The upfront outlay is large and sales take time, so check you have enough savings to cover the first couple of years.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on herd size and whether you sell foals or backed youngsters. This is an estimate. Market prices can change, and young horses carry health and injury risks.

Check planning permission for stables, barns and any change of land use with your council. Check horse passport, microchip and breed society registration requirements. If you hire staff, you will need employer's liability insurance, and livery, lessons or visitors raise further licensing checks.