http://www.harnesslink.com/New-Zeala...t-for-breeders
One of the most pressing issues for people involved in the harness racing industry in New Zealand is what are we going to do to address the continuing decline in the number of mares bred.
Many participants in the industry have a various rationale for the reasons for the decline which has seen the number of mares bred last breeding season drop back to levels last experienced in the late 1960s.
On the racing side of the industry a lot of time and effort has gone into getting better utilization of our racing stock and progress has been made.
Our two major clubs have made great strides in recent times with regards to stake levels and returns to the industry.
However on the breeding side of the industry the core issue for breeders of affordability continues to languish in the too hard basket.
The chances of the average New Zealand breeder returning a profit on their foal/foals has continued to decline over the last 20 years as costs have risen far quicker than returns.
The commercial side of the breeding industry has held up reasonably well to a point but the hobby breeder who sends one or two mares to stud each year are starting to resemble 21st century moas.
The reason that it is so important to keep numbers up overall is the position of harness racing in the New Zealand gambling market
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http://www.harnesslink.com/New-Zeala...t-for-breeders