Tammy McNiven and her husband Rob have operated Twinbrook Farms of Embro, ON for the past two decades.
During that time their commercial breeding enterprise has progressed from relative obscurity to achieving Top Three Consignor status at last fall’s prestigious Harrisburg, PA yearling sale.
The scope of their operation today, along with raising three youngsters– Maddi, Jenna and Robert (who all want to be in the horse business), makes for a busy lifestyle. Still she finds time for her secondary loves– hockey and cooking.
Tammy also volunteers on several committees and has been an SBOA director now for 14 years. Earlier this year she also took on the role of Chair of Standardbred Canada.
What advice could you give someone just starting out in the Standardbred breeding business today?
Talk to different breeders and get their input on the business.
This is a very hard end of the industry without any payback on your investment for 2-3 years.
Who do you think you have learned the most from about the breeding business?
We’ve learned a lot from Uncle Jack McNiven (Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame). And also from our veterinarian, Dr. Don Pooley, who is one of the best reproductive vets anywhere.
Who is your favourite horse that you’ve raised?
I would have to say I have two favourites. One is Twin B Warrior. He’s been kind of a disappointment in our eyes though, because we thought he was capable of more than he has shown.
He has made over $607,000, which isn’t shabby. But he was a standout individual right from birth. He had a presence about him that you very rarely see.
Another favourite we bred is Zooka. He sold as Twin B Zooka, went on to make over $1.3 M, and held a word record as the fastest free legged pacer. We owned his mother and grandmother– both pillars of our breeding band.
What do enjoy most about the business?
No question– the babies. When you’re there for the birth and then see one on the track as a racehorse, and racing well, you feel proud of your “kid”. That’s the biggest reward.
How many yearlings are you selling this year and where?
We’re selling around 35 yearlings, split between the Canadian Yearling Sale at Flamboro and the Standardbred Horse Sale in Harrisburg, PA.
What do you consider the toughest part about being a breeder?
The toughest part is when you’re up nights foaling, then trying to work during the day, and still have somewhat of a normal family life.
When you work your hardest trying to save a life, and in the end it’s lost; that’s really, really tough on the whole family.
Another tough part is when you watch one of your yearlings go through the sales ring and it brings below your profit margin; that’s rough.
What are your culling criteria for broodmares?
When mares haven’t sold profitable yearlings several years in a row. Our threshold is around $17,000 to break even.
Can you tell us one thing you think most people don’t know about you?
I’m terrified of snakes!!!!
How do you unwind away from the business?
Who has time away from the business??
Seriously, our two daughters, Maddi ,17, and Jenna 15, are into riding on the Ontario Barrel Racing Circuit, so on weekends we go to shows all over Ontario.
This past year they even rode at the Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, the biggest Quarter Horse Show in the world, and Jenna finished Top 10.
They’ve also done exceptionally well in Ontario, finishing 1st and 2nd in the Rookie Class and Jenna won the Youth Class this past year. They’ve brought home three trophy saddles, plus lots of jackets, blankets and belt buckles. Needless to say, horses are in their blood too.
Who do you consider your top three mares and who are you breeding them to in 2011?
The mother of Twin B Warrior and Twin B Legend, What an Attitude, is being bred to Rocknroll Heaven. Color Me Beachy is being bred to Camluck and Onherway Killean will be bred to Sportswriter.
