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@meadowsun bootstrapping is an excellent way to build a show herd quickly. You do still have to wait for the foals to grow up, but it is definitely quicker than building from the ground up with all foundations. When I first started bootstrapping I was using a 30 acre pasture and just rotated my mares through until I bred everything I wanted. My mares rarely got more than a 15 day bonus, so it is certainly doable with a 10 acre pasture if you aren't putting an emphasis on the pasture bonus.

The nice thing about bootstrapping is that it isn't vital to have all of the testing until way later, by which time your herd will be able to fund your barn growth. Within 6 months (I think - it was several years ago now) of beginning bootstrapping I was able to purchase a basic upgrade with game money. With a smaller pasture it may take a bit longer, but you will get there. I also show everything, including foals, to build a solid point base. Any mare that is not in a pasture can also be a great show horse. Some of my highest point earners were intact mares that got shown only 4 times a month.

You do want to start with a *Star stallion and many of us that bootstrap are happy to help others get started. You can breed to any mare you would like, most typically start out with foundation mares since they are pretty easy to find.

The key part of bootstrapping is that any fillies you get do not receive Breeding Advice testing. These foals will get spayed if put through the test, and you want the mares to then breed back to the sire when they are of age.

Don't hesitate to ask questions on the forum at you go along. Joining a bootstrap chat is also a good idea.

I have this boy that I've decided not to use, and am happy to part with him if you like him.


RFA ID Coin BS

He is a very high *Star and there was a recent discussion on breeding level ceiling. https://hj2.huntandjump.com/forum/discussion/79553/big-milestone-breeding-quality-ceiling#Item_18

When you don't test your mares, I want to point out that you should actually turn off testing so you don't accidentally test them later on! As you accumulate HBS also keep in mind that you can buy the basic upgrade with them. And if you're new and haven't posted in your peer group discussion yet so it so you get the extra barn and pasture. They're small but it still helps! At a few months posting might no longer give you the barn and pasture though? I'm not sure.

@pinkie2 Thanks for the tips! I didn’t even realize you could turn the testing off. I will go post in the peer group and see what happens! Thanks again!

@HTRanch Thank You so much! That was so generous! It’s done. Thanks again!

@meadowsun you're welcome! I've added you to my chat and put him up for you! Enjoy! :)

I have a bunch of blue/gold mares and some star studs that I'm not keeping (list here) from this account and some blue mares & star studs (list here) from my other account. If you see any you like, let me know!

Sure thing! I put them up here: https://hj2.huntandjump.com/buddy_chat.php?chatid=1099 (You should be added already). :)

@MeadowSun, I sent you some hbs to help you out with breeding. If you'd like to look through some of my young studs (non-closed genes) I've had a bunch of 13.0+ bootstrap colts. I will also be selling some older Gold mares in the next few months to make room for their higher daughters.

Hi, looks like I am a bit late. I love how so many other people are getting into bootstrapping now. You probably already have a boy, but if you need anything let me know. I am also trying to figure out a way to sort mares and sell another bath of high quality mares soon.