Defining Reasonable Goals & Objectives
Prudence dictates that you begin by answering these questions:
Generally speaking, the level of investment is the primary consideration in determining the most appropriate means of becoming an owner. Determine the total amount of money that you are willing to allocate to this investment. Develop a budget, identifying the amount to be utilized for the initial purchase, and obtain realistic estimates of daily expenditures.
Unfortunately, to answer this question you will need to ask yourself: How involved do I intend to be? Will my schedule permit me to spend time monitoring my equine investment? For example, do you have the time to talk with the trainer, or to visit the stable area, racing office or track kitchen on a daily basis?
The level of investment and amount of time you have to spend on your equine activities should guide you in determining the appropriate form of ownership. TOBA recognizes, however, that personal preferences and past experiences may be equally important. Obviously, there are advantages and disadvantages to each form. What level of control do you wish to maintain? Are you the type of individual who must call all the shots, assume all the risks, and have all the glory? Or, are you the type who prefers to spread the risks and share the rewards?
How long are you willing to wait for a return (not necessarily financial) on your investment? Are you looking for the immediate action offered by racing or the long-term challenges of breeding and developing young horses? Thoroughbred racing and breeding offer both types of investment opportunities, challenges, and more!
If immediate action is what you desire, then your investment opportunities will be quite different from those interested in breeding and developing young stock. However, the opportunities are not mutually exclusive. You may consider diversifying your investment by purchasing a filly as a broodmare prospect, breeding her and selling the offspring, acquiring a stallion share, and/or owning horses of racing age.
It seems that every owner wants to be able to see their horse as often as possible, but that is practical for only a very few. However, if having convenient access to your horse is imperative, then you must think and act regionally. On the other hand, given that some states offer more lucrative racing and breeding programs, you may wish to consider how those programs could impact your investment. State owners’ and breeders’ organizations can provide a complete explanation of their respective state-bred incentive programs.
Everyone wants to own a classic winner. Unfortunately, not all horses have the ability to compete and win at the top level. There are many levels at which you can participate (i.e. the claiming, allowance, or stakes levels). You can compete on a regional and/or a national level. An owner’s financial resources ultimately dictate the level at which one competes. Again, if action is what you want, your strategy will be different from someone seeking the classic horse. You will likely spread your money out over a larger stable, with more horses racing on regional circuits. If your goal is to find the big horse, you might have fewer horses which race less often. Commercial breeding presents a similar scenario. Not everyone can participate at the top level. However, there are ample opportunities, certainly in the middle markets, where breeders can sell and buyers can purchase a useful horse. Remember, the thrills of owning a claiming horse or breeding a maiden winner often match those experienced by the owners of more accomplished horses.
Regardless of which form of ownership you choose, you should seriously consider structuring and treating your equine activities as a business because of certain tax and liability issues. Always consult with your tax advisor for the proper way to structure your equine business. A more detailed discussion of this subject can be found in the Business Issues chapter of this web site.
How does a wonderful network of new friends, endless social activities, a sense of significant achievement and hours of unsurpassed entertainment sound?