Saskatchewan horse industry is developing value

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.”

-Winston Churchill

This quotation is a favourite of Jim Graham, Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food in Swift Current. Graham works closely with the Saskatchewan Horse Federation to identify training and market development opportunities, and speaks passionately about the investment in time and money that is required to produce horses for the widely varied demands of the modern market.

The Saskatchewan herd is approximately 100,000 animals. The horse industry is comprised of a large number of small operators, perhaps as many as 10,000, according to Graham. The largest herds might number 200 animals, while there are many small acreage owners who are raising only two or three horses for their personal use. The vast majority of the Saskatchewan herd are quarter horses, which are popular both for working and riding. Graham says a growing segment of the horse industry is drawing business from the urban centres.

“Many people find a leisurely ride on a well-mannered horse to be good therapy, and they prefer that to going to the lake or other recreational pursuits,” he stated. “Most potential horse owners want a well-broke animal that won’t scare easily.”

As a result, the industry is seeing more full-service stables that keep, feed and train horses, and provide paddock space or show areas for the horse owners.

The market for Saskatchewan horses is strong in both Alberta and Montana, and Graham is working to get equine entrepreneurs the recognition and the returns they deserve. In any given year, some 5,000 to 10,000 working horses are sold in the province.

Graham says that having a reputation for quality is an important factor in running a successful operation. A trained horse represents a sizeable investment by the owner. A raw colt is worth $1,000 or more. That value is influenced by the genetics and the performance of the dam and sire. The reputation of the trainer, and the ability of the horse to perform, can add value to the horse.

“The cost of hiring a professional to turn that raw colt into a dependable mount can be as much as $500 per month for up to six months,” he said. “Then there will be the daily feed and other health and care costs that can amount to $1,000 per year. There will be a marketing cost for advertising and auction fees that could be $300 or more. What’s a three-year-old well-trained horse worth? To cover costs and provide a reasonable profit, the value could exceed $5,000.”

“If you ever have the opportunity to attend a horse sale, appreciate the time and effort it has taken to get this equine athlete to this stage in its career,” he said. “We should learn to appreciate the business acumen that is needed to meet the challenges and enjoy the fruits of the industry.”

Information on breeding, raising, and training horses, as well as the many competitive opportunities, is available from the Saskatchewan Horse Federation at www.saskhorse.ca.

For more information, contact:
Jim Graham, Livestock Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 778-8289
E-mail: jgraham@agr.gov.sk.ca