I have been following the thread on breeding and selection and have found some of the comments very interesting.
I am breeding horses specifically for endurance or distance riding. One of the most difficult aspects of this is that you really do not know if your program is successful for at least 7 years. It's not like there is a performance class for yearlings in distance riding. You may have to wait at least 6 years or more to see if that particular foal is cut out for the sport. The best I can do is throw the odds in my favor. I start with lines that have a good track record in endurance...not just one generation back but more if possible. Many of the mares I breed have an endurance history of their own or come from proven endurance horses. I try to find lines that I know will nick with my stallion's lines. I try to breed for specific traits I like. For example, a certain way of moving in the rear, low resting heart rates/recovery rates, size, and temperament. There are some traits that are not as easily definable such as mental toughness, suitability to the sport that will not be discovered until the horse is put to the test. My ultimate goal is to breed good 100 mile horses that can carry a heavy wt.
My young horses are just now beginning their endurance careers. My job and the job of any of the potential owner of these horses is to find the "niche" in distance riding in which they will excel. I think this is almost as hard as breeding a good horse :) I am amazed to read the comments that horses can only be "raced" for an only a year or two before they break or they have to go slow for long endurance careers. No one ever seems to mention that horses can consistently place in the Top Ten and can last for more then a year or two IF they are managed properly and their races are spaced accordingly for that individual horse. Good management is the key for longevity whether you are racing in the Top Ten or collecting miles.
There is absolutely no question that it is MUCH less expensive to buy a made or going horse regardless of the price if you want to be out on the "circuit" immediately. By buying a proven horse you have eliminated the risk that the horse is not suited to the task at hand. Also, think of the cost you saved on food, board, training, entries, and YOUR time for 6 or 7 years. If you are just looking at it from only a financial point of view 10-20 K is a bargain!!! I am not sure if the satisfaction rating is as high as someone who starts with a yearling or a green horse but I am sure that that varies from individual to individual.
Breeding for me is definitely a hobby....a serious hobby. If I looked at it strictly as a business I would have to shut the operation down because it is not making money. It is a choice I make to put my disposable (and not so disposable) cash into this passion instead of a new car, fancy rig, expensive vacation, etc. It is very gratifying to see the results of what you imagined actually on the ground.
