12/09/2026
Well, sadly our Machno Carwyn mare is not in foal. Absolutely gutted, as we have now had six unsuccessful attempts with her.
After factoring in the cost to buy her, transporting her approximately 500 miles to us, and six rounds of AI (don’t forget the stallion’s collection fee/shipping cost per every attempt), we have now invested around £7,000 into this mare.
Even if she did get in foal now, her eventual foal would likely sell for several thousand pounds less than what we have already invested, meaning we would still make a significant loss. And, of course, that £7,000 doesn’t include any of the normal day to day costs of keeping a horse, such as feed, bedding, farrier, worming, etc.
Sorry for another negative post, but I’m sharing this because it highlights exactly why I do not tolerate low offers on my foals.
You have absolutely no idea how much it may have cost a breeder just to get that foal safely on the ground!
EDIT:
I think some people are really misinterpreting my point here. I’m not suggesting that foal buyers should be expected to pay more simply because some foals cost more to breed than others. I have never charged more for a foal just because the mare took more attempts to get in foal.
My point is simply that it’s unrealistic to expect well-bred foals to be sold for low four figures. I’ve had plenty of offers between £1,000 and £3,000, and in many cases that simply isn’t a realistic price when you actually factor in all the costs involved in producing a foal.
I think a lot of people genuinely underestimate those costs. I’ve literally had people imply, ‘Well, the stud fee is only £500, so what other costs have you actually got?’
I’m just trying to highlight the reality of the things that actually go on behind the scenes to bring some of these foals into the world..
