It’s almost that time of year again! As the fall and winter near, there will be mares and stallions being placed under lights as they are prepared for the next breeding season. This is also that time of the year when mare owners are desperately searching for that special stallion.
Stallion owners know that the only way to a successful breeding program is to get their stallions out on the market. There are various ways that you can do this and become a successful stallion owner. The most successful stallions are those that have proved themselves in the show ring or on the track. The fact of the matter is, however, that most stallions these days have very similar bloodlines. In order to be successful with those stallions, you will have to prove to mare owners that he is worthy over the other stallions that have similar bloodlines to his. These successful stallions will also be more worthy of a higher stud fee.
There are several ways that you can promote your stallion. The most popular is a print ad in the major journals of your breed. Every year the American Quarter Horse Association produces a stallion issue. The stallion issue features hundreds of stallions that are being stood for stud. The cost of advertising is by no means cheap as you will have to have a photographer take professional pictures, you will need an advertiser develop your print ad and then you will have to pay advertising fees to the magazine of your choice. The great thing about print advertising is that the mare owners tend to hold on to these magazines for years to come. So even if your stallion isn’t a good match for a mare they are breeding right now, they might come back to you the next year for a different mare.
Another great way of advertising your stallion is at stallion alleys. Many large horse shows will set these up and stallion owners can stall their stallions and promote them there. Many of them will print posters and flyers of their stallions. They may also hand out business cards with their stallion and there contact information. (Hint: If you are a mare owner, this is a great way to find stallions). Stallions are right there for viewing and many owners will decorate their stalls and have them looking their absolute best.
If you do not have the supplies and equipment to breed mares at your home, you may consider sending your stallion to a “stallion station.” These are breeding facilities that will stand your stallion for you and handle all of the business. They will ship semen and breed mares. They may even help you promote your stallion as well. These are great for stallion owners that also do a lot of showing and don’t have the time or the facilities to stand their stallion at their own barn.
The Internet has also become a huge outlet for finding stallions. The American Paint Horse Journal reports that 4 out of 5 horse owners are on the Internet. This includes mare owners and other hobby breeders. They are online looking for great stallions that will add to the gene pool of their farm.
Promoting your stallion is an essential part to standing a stallion. The mare owners only know about you if you put your stallion out there, show him and advertise him.
In today’s business world there are many technology changes that are occurring-from email on your cell phone or Blackberry to wireless Internet everywhere. There is one staple in the business world, however, that has not changed. That staple would be the business card. Everybody in business carries business cards and they have been for many years. Business cards are the best way to get people to remember you and what you do. Give someone a few extra cards and they will pass them along to the business associates or friends. Owners of stallions for stud can also make great use of this business staple.
Imagine being at a horse show and you overhear someone talking about how they have a mare they would like to breed. Hand them a business card and let them know to give you a call or email you if they are interested. You could even be at the feed store and tack one up on the bulletin board. Check periodically to see if someone has taken it and replace it. Ask the feed store owner if you could leave a small stack of them at the cash register for people to take. With today’s graphic technology, you can even have your stallion on the back of the card with his name, breeding and stud fee as well as have your cards printed in vibrant colors and glossy. This will make your business cards stand out from the rest.
Stallion promotion is all about having the mare owners remember your stallion, even if they can’t remember your name. Many people will keep business cards in their wallets and purses for months at a time and will look for it when they think they might need it. Updated business cards are also essential. Many times you may need to change your email address or even move. In the event changes occur, you should have your cards updated and replace cards that you have handed out if possible.
Depending on the type of design you want, business cards can be relatively inexpensive to order. There are online sites that allow you to design your own cards. Cards can even be printed at home on special business card paper with Microsoft Publisher or similar software. If you would like a more professional look, graphic design companies can design the card for you with your contact information and pictures of your stallion or farm logo. The price of these services will vary depending on if you have available artwork.
Business cards have been around for years and remain a staple in the business world. Business cards are a must for a successful stallion promotion campaign!