People in the equine industry say few ways remain to cut costs
http://www.ocala.com/article/2009122...ve-to-survive-
Excerpt:
Unlike many other businesses, there aren't many ways to cut corners to save money during the recession, local horse owners say.
Because the horses they breed and train are athletes, they still have to buy quality hay and feed. Tracks have to be maintained, fences have to be mended and barns kept in repair.
So what many horsemen are doing is cutting back on the number of horses they are buying and breeding.
The number of Florida-bred horses has almost dropped by half.
In 2007, there were 4,127 thoroughbreds born and registered in the state. By 2009, that fell to 2,474, according to information provided by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association in Ocala.
Excerpt:
Ludt said that before the recession between 10 percent and 15 percent of horsemen that bred their mares to his stallions would be late in paying their bills to his Ocala stud farm.
Now that number has jumped to 70 percent.
"We have two people full-time just calling (people not paying their bills)," Ludt said. "It's a significant amount of revenues that is crimping our cash flow."
Angelo Berrettini, owner of Berrettini Feed Specialists, said
horsemen are also buying lower quality feed.
