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Homework first! - Learn important terms (see glossary of terms webpage) this is the first step to becoming familiar with not only Egyptian Arabians but horses in general, using the correct terms will help you communicate effectively with the breeders.
- Familiarize yourself with correct equine conformation, inaddition to knowing classic arabian horse type. This will be your biggest asset in evaluating potential purchases.
- Read and watch everything you can get your hands on concerning the Egyptian Arabian Horse. (see resources on this page)
- Don't be shy, talk to anyone who will offer sage advice on the Egyptian Arabian Horse.
- Go to the Egyptian Event, watch the classes, but most importantly walk the barn aisles, see the horses, read their pedigrees. Compare individuals conformation, type, and demeanor. Make notes on qualities that you admired and faults you disliked. This is the best opportunity to see large numbers of Egyptian Arabian Horses at one time.
- Attend open barns or seminars presented by breeders.
- Do surf the websites but don't rely on this alone, you must go to the farms and see the horses in person. Run your hands over the horses, get to know them physically and mentally, take notes. Get to know the breeder, the more you talk with someone the better you will be able to judge their character. Ask yourself "Is this someone that I want to do business with? Will they be there to support me in my success and failures?"
- Study the market, read classified ads online and in trade publications. Be familiar with the prices, make note of the training, bloodlines.
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Small scale or going for the big time! Some things to consider. - Do you have property where you can keep a horse or horses? Is your property zoned for horses and is it safe. Will you be able to properly condition your horse and provide for it's welfare depending on your lifestyle, work, travel etc.
- Will you be boarding at a local farm where you can see your horse on a regular basis or a breeding farm that can provide more exposure to your program?
- Are you looking to upgrade to your own ranch. Carefully consider overlooked expenses, such as labor, bedding, facility repair and maintainence, tools, vehicles, insurance, manure disposal, fly and pest control, and so on.
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Put the dream on paper. - Outline your goals on paper, highlighting bloodlines of interest and disciplines. Declare what will make you and your horses stand out in a crowd. For example, rare preservation bloodlines, specialized show disciplines, all around family trail horses, stellar endurance athletes, just to name a few . Consider what the market will bear.
- How many horses will it take to meet your goals, or better yet, what is the smallest number of horses required to make it work.
- Will you need a stallion, or will you only buy stud fees to publicised stallions?
- What will you do with colts that are born, can you make a market for geldings?
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Money talks! - Create a realistic business plan, project a minimum of 3 years, 5 is even better.
- Be very detailed include a time line for advertising, breeding decisions, sales decisions.
- Start out with attainable goals, set yourself up for success. You can create a second plan for the following 3 to 5 years that will be more demanding.
- Consider where the money will be coming from and how long it will last.
- Have a cusion, accidents and trajedies happen. Nothing will set you back quicker than an unforseen equine hospital visit.
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