By Grace Morgan
It’s simple: breeders make the pony world go round. Without breeders, there wouldn’t be super fancy, well-minded, safe ponies to tote kids around.
I asked pony breeders about the cost and the worth of the ponies they produce. As a small breeder myself, I found the answers very insightful. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the numbers, but so important to remember your “why.”
At weaning, how much money do you have in a pony?
Megan Burtness, BridleWood Welsh, Paso Robles, CA
“That number can vary significantly depending on breeding expenses. On average, a chute fee covering two cycles for fresh or cooled semen is about $750. If you’re doing some or all of the work in-house or using live cover, costs go down. On the other hand, using frozen semen, paying stud fees, and encountering any complications can quickly raise expenses. For my own mares, I usually spend between $300 and $500 per breeding cycle, including supplies, fuel for vet visits, ultrasound fees, and medications used to manage timing. Older mares tend to require more intervention and maintenance, increasing the investment in each resulting foal.
The average cost to maintain a mare for a year is around $2,000 to $2,500. Once the foal is born, it begins to add to the mare’s feed requirements and eventually has its own feed costs as well. By weaning, most foals have had 2–4 farrier trims, their first two sets of vaccinations, a well-foal check, and possibly some veterinary care for minor issues.
On average, my breakeven point for a foal at weaning is at least $3,500, including the cost of maintaining the mare, breeding, carrying the pregnancy, foaling, and raising the foal through 4–5 months of age. For some mares or breedings, that number can rise to $5,000–$7,000, depending on complications or specific circumstances.”
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, Rollingwoods Farm, Olive Branch, MS
“There are many factors that determine the cost of getting a foal to weaning age. One of the main expenses is mare upkee, which includes feed, farrier, veterinary care, possibly insurance, and expenses related to maintaining the farm and a barn. This is followed closely by the breeding costs. Breeding expenses can vary greatly based on whether you are using your own stallions or paying stud fees and what type of breeding you are doing- live cover or transported semen (either chilled or frozen). When the foal arrives, you have costs relating to its upkeep like food, farrier, and veterinary care. For the average foal without any complications, I would say I have about $2500 -$3500 invested.”
Dr. Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Pony Farm, Okarche, OK
“I don’t actually calculate what I have in a pony. Pony prices are based on quality and demand. I may have had a foal that got hurt or sick, and I have more money in it than something that didn’t have those struggles. Just because that foal has had more expenses doesn’t always justify asking more for it. People will never get out of [any craft or job] the time and money they put into it. Breeding ponies is a sacrifice of time and money. It is not a linear analytical process.”
Jaci Baxter, Willow Hill Sport Ponies, Denison, TX
“At weaning, I would say I have $2,000-3,000 in the foal, not counting mare care for the year. This includes the breeding costs, mare reproduction checks, extra vaccines, foal feeding and routine. I also show my babies at least once as foals.”
Do you use live cover, artificial insemination, or own your own stallion? How do these compare? Does your breeding method change the price of the foal?
Megan Burtness, BridleWood Welsh, Paso Robles, CA
“Over the past two decades, I’ve used all methods of breeding. While I do own my own stallions, I still breed 1–3 mares a year to outside stallions to maintain genetic diversity in the program. Every breeding method impacts the cost of a foal. The most cost-effective is a problem-free mare bred via live cover, if nothing goes wrong. That said, live cover is also the most dangerous for all parties involved, and we no longer use it within our program for safety reasons.
We manage all of our collections and most inseminations and standard treatments in-house to reduce costs for ourselves and our mare owners. When working with shipped or frozen semen, or mares requiring more intervention, we rely more heavily on our reproduction specialist veterinarian.”
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, Rollingwoods Farm, Olive Branch, MS
“We own stallions which we use, but we also use outside stallions depending on what bloodlines we are trying to cross. Shipped semen is definitely more expensive, and the timing needs to be right. This means more intensive breeding managemen,t including multiple ultrasounds, flushes, drugs to manipulate the heat cycles, etc. Because I am a veterinarian, my veterinary expenses are not as high as the average breeder incurs.
We have also shipped mares to other farms for live cover/on the farm AI. This involves expenses for shipping, mare upkeep, etc. The price of breeding, no matter whether we do live cover or ship cooled or frozen semen, does not generally change the price of the foal. Quality of the foal is more important to the actual sale price.”
Dr. Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Pony Farm, Okarche, OK
“I mostly use my own stallions. I have used AI and live cover with other stallions. The few times I have used AI it never worked. If FedEx did their job, it always worked when shipping out, but not with semen I shipped in. When I used live cover by sending my mare out to another farm it has always worked. AI takes a lot of time going to and from the vet and a lot of money as well. Live cover with my stallions is the easiest and most cost effective. Live cover at other’s farms is time consuming due to travel.
For me the cost of the foal is based on the quality of the bloodlines, not the cost involved for conception. Before choosing to breed, I contemplate the desire of the offspring for myself or others based on multiple factors.”
Jaci Baxter, Willow Hill Sport Ponies, Denison, TX
“I own my own stallion and have only used AI to breed him. I haul him to a vet to be collected. When I use other stallions, I primarily use AI as well. It’s much safer for the mares and humans involved, but requires a great vet to get the timing right. Owning your own stallion saves you the breeding fee, but stallion management and care is much more labor-intensive. I don’t collect on my own, and you have to be available to collect when a mare is ready.”
At 3 years old, how much money do you have into a pony?
Megan Burtness, BridleWood Welsh, Paso Robles, CA
“Whatever the cost was at weaning, add an additional $2,000 to $2,500 per year for standard care -not including training, showing, or the cost of anything over routine care. We typically send [the 3 year olds] out [to a colt starter] for 30 days, which costs $1,000 to $1,300 per month. After they return, we continue their training in-house to complete their education and prepare them for the show ring.” –
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, Rollingwoods Farm, Olive Branch, MS
“The main cost is the additional upkeep expenses incurred from weaning to 3 years old, which average around $1500 a year. Generally, our ponies are turned out but handled daily during this time. We rarely show our youngstock except at weaning at our American National Show.
I am fortunate to have two sisters who are a vital part of the breeding operation and are able to train our ponies. It is incredibly hard and expensive to find trainers who are good at bringing along young ponies correctly and giving them a solid foundation. We usually start our ponies at age 3 at our annual Colt Breaking Weekend, always held over the New Year’s holiday.
We bring them along slowly, training 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes. We may decide that a pony is not mature enough at this age and put them back out to pasture for another 6-12 months. While we will sell a pony at any age, if we have them at three, we prefer to sell them after we have put at least 60-90 days of our training in them.”
Dr. Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Pony Farm, Okarche, OK
“Again, I do not calculate an actual dollar amount. If I did, I may have unwanted explaining to do with my husband. I know what yearly feed, care, vet, etc. is for my herd and base my expected expense for the coming year on past yearly cost. Most of my ponies are sold as foals. If I have a 3 year old it is usually because I have chosen to keep that pony.
I do a lot of training myself. I do send ponies to a trainer for finishing. Usually by the time I send something to a [driving] trainer for finishing, they only need about a month or so. All of the riding ponies that I have sent off for training have been based on a 50/50 split at the sale of the pony.”
Jaci Baxter, Willow Hill Sport Ponies, Denison, TX
“I usually show them as yearlings and two year olds. I do most of my own training. At three I do basic ground work and may back them for short sessions at walk, trot, canter if they’re ready for it. Occasionally I have sent a youngster out to be backed. [They are] started for 6-8 weeks before they’re usually ready to work with the trainer because I’ve done a lot of groundwork. Trainers here cost $800-1200 per month. I’ve never sold a three year old, but would easily say I’ve put $7000-8000, if not more, in raising and maintenance. Probably more if they’ve gone to several shows.”
At 6 years old, how much money do you have into a pony?
Megan Burtness, BridleWood Welsh, Paso Robles, CA
“If a pony is still with us at age 6, it is either part of our show team and the investment is significantly higher on that pony, or it has joined our broodmare band and proven themselves to be a valuable asset as a broodmare.
As a breeder, showing serves multiple purposes, such as earning points for the pony, the sire, and/or the dam. So, not every dollar spent on showing can be attributed solely to that pony. But overall, the cost of a 6-year-old show pony is considerable, especially if it’s been campaigning at a high level for multiple years. We typically take 6–7 ponies per show. For local shows, we may haul 14–20 ponies across multiple trips or trailers. Our primary show team attends 10–15 shows a year, while ‘extra’ ponies may make it to 3–4 shows annually.
Many of our youngstock start showing as yearlings, with the occasional foal hitting a show or two. Once a pony makes the primary team, it often stays through its Individual LOM (Legion of Merit) and sometimes through its AOE (Award of Excellence). So, if one started showing as a yearling, it’s not unusual for a 6-year-old to have attended 50–75 shows.”
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, Rollingwoods Farm, Olive Branch, MS
“Because I don’t have the expense of an outside trainer, my main costs are the yearly upkeep plus any show expenses. We show mainly at Welsh shows but have to travel a fair distance for any show. If we have a pony at 6 it is usually because we have decided to retain it for breeding. We want all our future breeding stock to have a show career first. A winning show career makes any future foals more valuable.”
Dr. Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Pony Farm, Okarche, OK
“Money? No idea. But I’m sure it’s something like my left kidney. If a pony is showing that year, I would say on average they attend 5 shows a year. But I don’t always show the same ponies every year.”
Jaci Baxter, Willow Hill Welsh, Denison, TX
“As a 6-year-old, they have attended mostly Welsh shows, as they’ve grown up at the local, regional, and national level. If [my ponies] are meant for the hunter world, I try to send them off with a hunter [rider] to gain some miles and get ready for that discipline or get them at least with someone that’s a great fit.”
As a breeder, is it worth it to sell a pony after 6 years old? Is it more cost-effective to sell them younger?
Megan Burtness, BridleWood Welsh, Paso Robles, CA
“From a purely financial standpoint, it’s usually more cost-effective to sell a pony as young as possible. The price will be lower, but the profit margin is often higher. However, when you’re promoting a breeding program, you often have to “pay to play.” That means keeping and showing ponies to prove the value of your breeding. Showing builds a reputation and creates a market for your youngstock.
So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes the best financial decision is to sell early. Other times, it’s more valuable to invest in a show career to elevate your entire program.”
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, Olive Branch, MS
“Depending on the price you sell them for, selling at age 6 can be profitable; however, your market is much smaller as the price goes up. So it is generally more cost-effective to sell them earlier.”
Dr. Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Pony Farm, Okarche, OK
“‘Worth.’ A concept that is perceptual in nature. My perception is that if the pony goes into a situation that is loved, enjoyed, and cared for properly, without losing too much money, it’s worth it. Others may say it is only worth it if they get the money they want or have put into it. This is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to sell. In my experience, it is more cost-effective to sell younger.”
Jaci Baxter, Willow Hill Sport Ponies, Denison, TX
“It can be worth it to sell them after 6 for sure. I am a very small-scale farm, and I don’t want to rush my ponies. They let me know when they’re ready physically and mentally to move on. The pony being happy in its job is the most important thing to me, and I want their riders to love them too.” –
Lastly, is breeding worth it?
Megan Burtness, BridleWood Welsh, Paso Robles, CA
“Yes. Absolutely. Without dedicated breeders, there is no future for any breed. Breeding is more than putting two ponies together; it’s about vision, history, and thoughtful planning. It takes generations of effort to build a program, and years to raise a single foal. Every foal is a labor of love, and watching one grow into a finished product is incredibly rewarding.
That said, most of us are not getting rich doing this. Breeding is a lifestyle. Sure, there are successful sales and profit margins, but between upkeep and show expenses, many breeders are essentially paying to live their dream.
I can’t imagine a life where I’m not planning crosses, dreaming about show seasons, and building memories with my family and friends. Welsh ponies and breeding are in my blood, and sharing that passion with my children and our extended community makes every bit of it worth it.”
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, Rollingwoods Farm, Olive Branch, MS
“I always like to tell people of the old saying, “How do you make a small fortune raising horses? You start with a large fortune!” Most breeders continue to breed because they have a passion for it. Why else would we deal with all the heartaches and disasters? We are always looking to the next foal crop for the next superstar! Breeding must be worth it because we have been at it for 40 years!”
Dr. Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Pony Farm, Okarche, OK
“Again, ‘worth’ is based on many factors, including an individual’s values, personality, and economics. Worth changes as environmental variables fluctuate around the breeding process. When you are sucked dry of time, energy, money, etc., you may state breeding isn’t ‘worth’ it. When that foal is born, goes on to win a class, or becomes some little child’s best friend, breeding may become ‘worth’ it. ‘Worth,’ to me, is not static.
Breeders breed for different reasons. Breeding, to me, for the most part, is an act of love, not economics. It is not for the faint of heart. It can bring joy and grief. Often [breeders] struggle with unwanted decisions. [Breeding] can suck your bank account dry and fill your heart at the same time.”
Jaci Baxter, Willow Hill Sport Ponies, Denison, TX
“I do think breeding is worth it if you put in the homework, have the time, patience, and a great vet. Are you prepared and have the room in case the baby doesn’t sell when it’s weaned?”
Breeding: A Labor of Love (Not Profit)
Breeding is a labor of love. Love for the breed, the pony, and sport. Breeders give a lot of time and money to gain this pride. As a breeder, I want the best for my ponies. I want to see them make someone happy. While it would be cool, I do not care if my ponies win Pony Finals. They are correct to the breed and discipline standard, which is enough for me as long as they’re in a loving home.
Next time you’re in the market for a quality pony, research the bloodlines of ponies you admire and find the pony’s breeder or breeders with similar bloodlines. And when your pony leaves the Rolex with a pretty ribbon, reach out and thank their breeder. They may be in the stands watching their favorite foal put a smile on your face!
Grace Morgan is an Agricultural Communications student at Oklahoma State University and a lifelong equestrian. She has shown Welsh Ponies since she was little and was hooked immediately. What was once a kids obsession with cute ponies has turned into a small-scale breeding program. Her ponies reside at her family’s Kasbah Farm in Oklahoma, where she rides with her cousin while her grandmother drives carriages.
