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The main motivations for breeding can be
categorized into four levels as follows:
we do not all make the same choices. If we want to
produce foals to sell at weaning, or if we want to
1) The economic level: some breeders expect to raise a future champion to take it to a professional
generate an income or additional one out of this rider, or if we want to pursue “amateur” sport
activity. activities, or if we simply want a horse to be born a
2 ) The sport level: these horse breeders hope to
“produce” a horse that will evolve in the sport at a
high level.
pet for leisure, we require different means and must
make different choices.
To sell foals, you must have very consistent
3) The emotional level: these horse breeders maternal genetics and use a stud which will be
engage with the horse breeding activity for the the most fashionable next year. This requires an
pleasure of being in their company. environment conducive to a favorable growth of foals
4) The societal level: these breeders wish to and you must have access to a customer interested
belong to the breeding community and obtain in small foals (auction, internet, etc.). To produce a
acknowledgement from other members of this champion, we need to take risks with genetics and
community. combine the most favorable traits at the very highest
In the majority of cases, the horse breeder’s level. We should keep our horses much longer, and
motivation is a combination of these four categories, those that disappoint will likely be sold at a loss,
and the very first step the horse breeder should which will add to the overall cost of the best one.
begin with is to analyze their motivations as honestly Those costs must also be considered.
as possible. A breeder will not enjoy breeding if they So for each livestock project, the key to success
don’t know exactly what they will get out of it. The is a matching of the means and the objectives, to
stockbreeder won’t be pleased until they achieve which we must also add a lot of patience and a
what they once envisioned. little luck!
After having clearly defined their objectives,
the breeder must ensure they have the means that
The Evain Lineage – curiosities about the family
will allow them to achieve this goal. The means Arnaud is the founder and manager of one of
include the geographical location and the natural the most important auctions in showjumping: Fences
environment, mares and accessible stallions, and the Auction. Arnaud is also the CEO of Groupe France
financial means to pursue their personal project to Elevage (GFE), one of Europe’s largest semen centers,
completion. We do not all have the same means and and the company responsible for freezing and
Photo: PSV Morel
Pirole de la Châtre - Camille Condé Ferreira
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