Thoroughbred Horse Export: Opportunities for Breeders in Brazil

Brazil has room to grow in the global market—and the right strategy can make export volumes soar.

The racehorse market is undergoing a transformation. Over the past 15 years, the global Thoroughbred population has declined by approximately 32%. In Brazil, that drop is even steeper—39%, according to data from the International Stud Book Committee. This scenario highlights the challenges faced by Brazilian breeders, but also points to strategic opportunities, especially in the international transport and export of high-performance horses.

What are the main challenges for Thoroughbred breeders in Brazil?

1. Smaller herds and limited domestic demand: With fewer than 300 active breeders registered in the Brazilian Stud Book, the country’s Thoroughbred base has shrunk significantly. This decline is linked to reduced interest in horse racing, the high cost of maintaining horses, and the difficulty in obtaining financial return in a competitive market.

2. International competition and inbreeding: With fewer active sires, inbreeding levels naturally rise. This directly impacts genetic quality and the horses’ functional ability, making investment in new bloodlines essential for breeders aiming to compete globally.

   
   

But there are also major opportunities

1. High quality among Brazilian breeders: Despite a smaller herd, Brazil continues to produce track champions. Breeding farms such as Santa Maria de Araras, Santa Rita da Serra, Haras Anderson, and Stud Eternamente Rio, for example, are still investing and seeing strong results in both national and international races.

2. Global interest in Brazilian genetics: The quality of Brazilian bloodlines has attracted growing interest from international investors. The export of Thoroughbreds to South America, the United States, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates is a growing reality for breeders looking to expand their businesses and strengthen Brazil’s genetic presence abroad.

3. Specialized support in international transport: Companies like FB Trading offer complete export solutions—from documentation to transport and quarantine—ensuring safety and compliance with international regulations. With over 400 horses exported, FB Trading has become a trusted name in the industry.

4. Excellent cost-benefit ratio: Brazilian breeders offer professional horse care, nutrition, and animal welfare at far more competitive operational costs than traditional centers such as the U.S., Europe, or the UAE. This cost advantage allows them to offer top-quality horses with strong value in the global market.

   
   

How can Brazilian breeders stand out?

• By investing in international partnerships to diversify their genetics.

• By participating in auctions and events abroad to promote their horses.

• By using specialized export services—like those from FB Trading—to ensure their horses safely reach the world’s top racing centers.

Brazilian-bred Thoroughbreds have a place in the global market—and the right strategy can take export volumes to the next level.

Exporting horses is not just a business alternative; it’s a survival and growth strategy for those who believe in the excellence of Brazilian breeding.

FB Trading – Experts in international transport of high-performance horses. Connecting Brazilian genetics to the world.