hi Michael ... hello all
As you wrote Michael "Watching a young horse compete in the field with his peers gives me a much greater insight into his potential than a five minute study of his body in an auction environment."
I couldn't agree more...and some prospective buyers are quite astute and take advantage of that.
But in general it seems like there are too many examples that seem to require 20/20 hindsight.
For example...talking about the "beautiful mover" that a horse like Real Quiet was in training did not help him sell as a yearling. As I recall he sold for approx $17k+-. That number probably didn't cover his production costs (including screws and wires...as I understand it...on his front end). Certainly the breeder took it on the chin at the yearling sales with Real Quiet...regardless of what he accomplished in the FUTURE and the special race horse that he became.
And what about the unsightly check ligament (even post surgery) on City Zip. He sold for approx $11k (if I recall correctly) as a yearling (by Carson City no less)...ouch. Yes he went on to become quite special...but that obviously could not help attract bids on him at the yearling sales....20/20 hindsight again.
With that in mind consider what St Louis Kid wrote "The real point is that conformation is very important if you are breeding horses to sell, because that is what the market is using to determine prices."
Especially (if I might add) on weanlings and yearlings...arguably a breeder's bread and butter.
I expect it might be fair to say that most commercial breeders are not intending to point their young ones to the two-year-olds in training sales. Obviously there are exceptions...but for the most part I see breeders using the two-year-olds in training sales in a last-ditch-effort to hopefully get a horse sold...that for whatever reason was not sold earlier.
Consider this...if a breeder is a weanling and/or yearling seller...and their offering has a significant conformation flaw...or walks "funny"...or whatever...questions are raised and often red-flags go up. Prospective buyers very often walk away and move-on to the next horse. And why not? There are thousands upon thousands to choose from. All the breeder knows is that there is little or no interest in his/her weanling and/or yearling, and unless the breeder is willing to lower his/her expectations (often dramatically) and quite possibly lose money on the transaction...what the horse may become down the road has little or no significance to the breeder at that time.
The breeder has stud fees to pay...vanning bills to pay...veterinary bills to pay...entry fees and commissions to pay...hay and feed to buy...equine insurance bills to pay...a blacksmith that needs his money etc etc etc. And a weanling and/or yearling that almost no one is interested in buying. A dilemma.
I expect that every breeder has mulled over the options...'do I sell the horse for possibly a ham sandwich, I'd like to cut the expenses...or do I put him in training knowing that he may or may not train well enough to even cover the added expenses related to going to the two-year-old sales...or the track etc etc etc.'
Obviously if the breeder knew that his steed would go out and become a major stakes-winner or win the Derby (as Real Quiet) and bank $3 mil+...or become a multiple graded SW and earn in excess of $800k (like City Zip) the decision would be a "no-brainer."
Where is the crystal ball when you need it?
Sure a horse can go out and become a super-star despite the "flaws" and a minimal sales price...and maybe the mare (and future offspring) will become valuable as a result...but I suggest that that scenario is the exception and NOT the rule.
Certainly this is a game of dreams...but it seems like so many sellers get crushed at the yearlings sales, often because their offering has a conformation flaw and/or a veterinary issue.
As we all know...there are thousands upon thousands of sales yearlings to choose from...and if you (as a seller) don't have the nicer individual (that vets)...regardless of pedigree...I suggest that as a seller...there is a strong possibility that you're going to take it on the chin.
halo raises the questions "So what makes good conformation? Is it what produces that gorgeous million dollar yearling? Or is it what wins the Kentucky Derby. They are often at opposite ends."
Certainly winning the Ky Derby is a great accomplishmnet and probably fair to say a dream-come-true. But that is one foal from a crop of approx 35,000+-...and although many from each crop go on and become profitable race horses...it might be fair to say that percentage-wise there are few...therefore...
...All Things Considered..."I believe that to succeed (over the long term) in this game a breeder must make the production of (physically) high quality individuals the keystone of their program."
Best to you always.
Respectfully
the INDIVIDUAL...priority one...over pedigree etc
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
FOS, thats the whole point. The breeder may have taken it on the chin, as you say, when selling Real Quiet for $17,000 as a yearling, but by the same token, someone saw the real potential in the horse and overlooked the flaws in seeing the athlete. Thats what differentiates a true horseman from a breeder just trying to produce a horse with straight legs.
Which is why so many perfectly formed million dollar yearlings cant beat a fat man. Being perfectly formed and having straight legs have nothing to do with being an athlete. That is why there are very few people in this business who actually do extremely well in buying athletes. They overlook the flaws that a breeder is concerned with. Danzig certainly was a breed icon, yet is very crooked. Silver Charm raced with distinction for 3 or 4 years, yet was crooked. Storm Cat is crooked, but it hasnt stopped his book being filled year after year. Crafty Prospector is crooked, but is high on the sire lists year after year. I havent seen a horse high on the stallion lists because he produces straight legs or perfect conformation. They have to produce runners.
Which is why so many perfectly formed million dollar yearlings cant beat a fat man. Being perfectly formed and having straight legs have nothing to do with being an athlete. That is why there are very few people in this business who actually do extremely well in buying athletes. They overlook the flaws that a breeder is concerned with. Danzig certainly was a breed icon, yet is very crooked. Silver Charm raced with distinction for 3 or 4 years, yet was crooked. Storm Cat is crooked, but it hasnt stopped his book being filled year after year. Crafty Prospector is crooked, but is high on the sire lists year after year. I havent seen a horse high on the stallion lists because he produces straight legs or perfect conformation. They have to produce runners.
Well according to Fos and Halo my point was well stated. Too many crooked horses could run and produce. SKIMMING could run and not only that he had speed and could carry it. Thats what I like about him. He comes from a very good family top and bottom. And to top it all off I get to breed to him for FREE ! What else could you ask for.
hi halo
Clearly there are some exceptional horsemen/women that seem to select horses (from the many many thousands available I might add) that go on and become quite speccial. I tip my hat.
And I certainly understand and recognize that many of the top race horses have conformational flaws of varying degrees.
But if a breeder intends to survive...they can't sell $17k yearlings...or $11k yearlings...or yearlings for approx the stud fee cost...or yearlings for approx the production costs etc etc etc...regularly...and make it work.
That's why I say "I believe that to succeed (over the long term) in this game a breeder must make the production of (physically) high quality individuals the keystone of their program."
You wrote "Thats what differentiates a true horseman from a breeder just trying to produce a horse with straight legs."
If what you're saying is that breeders cannot be "true horsemen" I disagree vehemently...I know many "true horsemen" that are commercial breeders. And most everyone I know and deal with is attempting to produce the quality equine athlete...but is very well aware of the obstacles and pitfalls of the breeding game and the risks related to it...and also understands that buying weanlings and/or yearlings is totally different than selling them.
Consider this...a prospective buyer has thousands upon thousands of horses to choose from. And can pick and choose and/or walk away from any or all until he/she finds exactly what they're looking for.
The breeder gets one foal out of his mare annually (probably 3 or 4 foals every five years or so is more typical).
The breeder has little control as to what that foal is "for sure" going to look like conformationally...therefore whatever the breeder can do to enhance the prospects of the mare producing a quality individual (stallion selection...mare selection etc etc) you might agree is extremely important. Conversely the buyer can select what he/she wants out of thousands.
Obviously Real Quiet was a sensational purchase...but of ALL the true horsemen out there that saw him...apparently just about everyone walked-on-by...for reasons that you are obviously very aware of.
I suggest that breeders in general cannot produce "that" physical "kind" regularly and expect to survive.
Best to you.
Respectfully
Clearly there are some exceptional horsemen/women that seem to select horses (from the many many thousands available I might add) that go on and become quite speccial. I tip my hat.
And I certainly understand and recognize that many of the top race horses have conformational flaws of varying degrees.
But if a breeder intends to survive...they can't sell $17k yearlings...or $11k yearlings...or yearlings for approx the stud fee cost...or yearlings for approx the production costs etc etc etc...regularly...and make it work.
That's why I say "I believe that to succeed (over the long term) in this game a breeder must make the production of (physically) high quality individuals the keystone of their program."
You wrote "Thats what differentiates a true horseman from a breeder just trying to produce a horse with straight legs."
If what you're saying is that breeders cannot be "true horsemen" I disagree vehemently...I know many "true horsemen" that are commercial breeders. And most everyone I know and deal with is attempting to produce the quality equine athlete...but is very well aware of the obstacles and pitfalls of the breeding game and the risks related to it...and also understands that buying weanlings and/or yearlings is totally different than selling them.
Consider this...a prospective buyer has thousands upon thousands of horses to choose from. And can pick and choose and/or walk away from any or all until he/she finds exactly what they're looking for.
The breeder gets one foal out of his mare annually (probably 3 or 4 foals every five years or so is more typical).
The breeder has little control as to what that foal is "for sure" going to look like conformationally...therefore whatever the breeder can do to enhance the prospects of the mare producing a quality individual (stallion selection...mare selection etc etc) you might agree is extremely important. Conversely the buyer can select what he/she wants out of thousands.
Obviously Real Quiet was a sensational purchase...but of ALL the true horsemen out there that saw him...apparently just about everyone walked-on-by...for reasons that you are obviously very aware of.
I suggest that breeders in general cannot produce "that" physical "kind" regularly and expect to survive.
Best to you.
Respectfully
Ouch Michael!!!
Got in late on this thread personally- my purchasing tactics are ticking off as many horses that *might* appeal to me pedigree-wise, then (and it does take some doing) go and visit all the horses at the sales, unfortunately it is hard to go around all the studs and I am not really in the price range whereby studs are more than happy to see you
Then usually I will go and the horse that has 5 stars (best) will be some raving lunatic or completely not my type (conformation, height, put together) so off that goes EVEN though the pedigree merited 5 stars. However if I see one that I just think I HAVE to have that one with just 1 or 2 stars I will go to the same price bracket as what I thought the pedigree of 5 stars would command. I call it common sense.
So for me pedigree-wise I check out beforehand what I really like on paper (I probably miss lots of LOOK AT ME horses that just aren't what I like paper-wise though) but if the individual isn't great I don't even think of it.
However as I have said previously my price range isn't great and even if the individual that walks by me (Unchecked just at the sale) & I don't like the pedigree I will not buy it for 2 reasons
1. Not all great horses win
2. People with more money will bid and knock the price-up for a useless ped to me & I wouldn't want to breed it if 1. came to fruition.
Hope you get the gist of that as even I am having a ruff (lol) time with it
<jet-lagged>
Ruffian.
Got in late on this thread personally- my purchasing tactics are ticking off as many horses that *might* appeal to me pedigree-wise, then (and it does take some doing) go and visit all the horses at the sales, unfortunately it is hard to go around all the studs and I am not really in the price range whereby studs are more than happy to see you
Then usually I will go and the horse that has 5 stars (best) will be some raving lunatic or completely not my type (conformation, height, put together) so off that goes EVEN though the pedigree merited 5 stars. However if I see one that I just think I HAVE to have that one with just 1 or 2 stars I will go to the same price bracket as what I thought the pedigree of 5 stars would command. I call it common sense.
So for me pedigree-wise I check out beforehand what I really like on paper (I probably miss lots of LOOK AT ME horses that just aren't what I like paper-wise though) but if the individual isn't great I don't even think of it.
However as I have said previously my price range isn't great and even if the individual that walks by me (Unchecked just at the sale) & I don't like the pedigree I will not buy it for 2 reasons
1. Not all great horses win
2. People with more money will bid and knock the price-up for a useless ped to me & I wouldn't want to breed it if 1. came to fruition.
Hope you get the gist of that as even I am having a ruff (lol) time with it
<jet-lagged>
Ruffian.
st. louis kid wrote:Very well said Michael, its not just a beauty contest, its an athletic competition.
Lol, I agree with you fully, and Michael is making a strong point about the bone density and the way the babies have been raised. To sell at a good public auction, these babies have to be pampered, are not allowed to have any nicks or hair out of place, and they are fed to the hilt to make them look mature; all things which are not so good for a youngster and which may cause them to have a physical disadvantage over others.
You have to ask yourself: what is an athlete? Actually, no foal is an athlete because they haven't done anything, but then, of course, there are definite signs that any particular youngster may develop into one with the right kind of upbringing and training. Think of humans. Just because someone has a beautiful body does not mean they are coordinated in their movement or are athletic in areas the observer might place him or her into. Athletes are made for the most part, and a race horse is an athlete that possesses speed. Muscles have to be developed, the breathing, the endurance, the soundness, etc. Now I'm not comparing a TB bred for racing with a plow horse, of course.
I would like to know more about what race horse people mean when they say this or that horse has a great walk, and to what extent the great walk transfers to an effective gallop because galloping is what a race horse does, not walking, lol.
It's interesting to visit those farms by way of the Internet which present the stallions by walking them down a path, showing them from the side, the front and back. Still, that is not galloping.
Someone quite knowledgeable about race horses once said that Skip Away was a 'terrible mover'; that he was an 'egg beater' when galloping.
Well, he managed to scramble together a pretty good bit of money, lol.
Oh, putting on my flame suit for this one, I dare say that since women have penetrated this market, they have brought with them their emotional and 'cosmetic' baggage of looking at a horse; they love a 'pretty horse, hunter type with a long arching neck, a pretty face, and Arab type eyes, etc. Well, some may just fit the bill, but for the most part, it is indeed not supposed to be a beauty contest. The beauty here, is in the athletic prowess and the overall presence of the horse, big or small. A great many fabulous race horses were rather small, and actually, the TB breed is not a big breed to begin with. Hyperion comes to mind who was 14 something hands when he was racing.
SB
st. louis kid wrote:Very well said Michael, its not just a beauty contest, its an athletic competition.
Lol, I agree with you fully, and Michael is making a strong point about the bone density and the way the babies have been raised. To sell at a good public auction, these babies have to be pampered, are not allowed to have any nicks or hair out of place, and they are fed to the hilt to make them look mature; all things which are not so good for a youngster and which may cause them to have a physical disadvantage over others.
You have to ask yourself: what is an athlete? Actually, no foal is an athlete because they haven't done anything, but then, of course, there are definite signs that any particular youngster may develop into one with the right kind of upbringing and training. Think of humans. Just because someone has a beautiful body does not mean they are coordinated in their movement or are athletic in areas the observer might place him or her into. Athletes are made for the most part, and a race horse is an athlete that possesses speed. Muscles have to be developed, the breathing, the endurance, the soundness, etc. Now I'm not comparing a TB bred for racing with a plow horse, of course.
I would like to know more about what race horse people mean when they say this or that horse has a great walk, and to what extent the great walk transfers to an effective gallop because galloping is what a race horse does, not walking, lol.
It's interesting to visit those farms by way of the Internet which present the stallions by walking them down a path, showing them from the side, the front and back. Still, that is not galloping.
Someone quite knowledgeable about race horses once said that Skip Away was a 'terrible mover'; that he was an 'egg beater' when galloping.
Well, he managed to scramble together a pretty good bit of money, lol.
Oh, putting on my flame suit for this one, I dare say that since women have penetrated this market, they have brought with them their emotional and 'cosmetic' baggage of looking at a horse; they love a 'pretty horse, hunter type with a long arching neck, a pretty face, and Arab type eyes, etc. Well, some may just fit the bill, but for the most part, it is indeed not supposed to be a beauty contest. The beauty here, is in the athletic prowess and the overall presence of the horse, big or small. A great many fabulous race horses were rather small, and actually, the TB breed is not a big breed to begin with. Hyperion comes to mind who was 14 something hands when he was racing.
SB
LOL SB, I know what you mean about lady buyers (however I am a lady myself albeit a very bitter one!)
I've got a mare here now that fits your bill she is drop dead gorgeous 16.3 hands blaze and three perfect socks her legs are about 3/4 of her height and she windsucks so she has a heck of a neck to top it all off. She looks like a horse right out of the dressage olympics I have told the owner 1. she cannot run to save her life (raced 10 times and every time came in last), 2. produces nothing like her (first two foals), and her pedigree is awful... she needs to be sold as a riding horse- the owner will make more money selling her that way than even if she produced a *decent* foal which isn't likely- get her out of the chain!
But what i don't understand still is would FOS like this mare (beautifully conformed, etc.) over one that has a good pedigree- I don't think so, but the post was a little confusing (much like my posts!!! )
Or does the looks come into play after the pedigree shows a hint of hope? As my method is????
I've got a mare here now that fits your bill she is drop dead gorgeous 16.3 hands blaze and three perfect socks her legs are about 3/4 of her height and she windsucks so she has a heck of a neck to top it all off. She looks like a horse right out of the dressage olympics I have told the owner 1. she cannot run to save her life (raced 10 times and every time came in last), 2. produces nothing like her (first two foals), and her pedigree is awful... she needs to be sold as a riding horse- the owner will make more money selling her that way than even if she produced a *decent* foal which isn't likely- get her out of the chain!
But what i don't understand still is would FOS like this mare (beautifully conformed, etc.) over one that has a good pedigree- I don't think so, but the post was a little confusing (much like my posts!!!
)
Or does the looks come into play after the pedigree shows a hint of hope? As my method is????
*I've got a mare here now that fits your bill she is drop dead gorgeous 16.3 hands blaze and three perfect socks her legs are about 3/4 of her height and she windsucks so she has a heck of a neck to top it all off. *
LOL, Ruffian. What's her name? Any photos of her? I have a huge TB mare, granddaughter of Secretariat, but she wasn't bred for running, even though she is 'goregeous' and has a golden personality/attitude.
By the way, I have an anti cribbing [stomp sucking, if that's what the mare does] recipe you may want to try on her. Not expensive and may be well worth trying. Cribbers are very hard to pass on to people, regardless.
SB
LOL, Ruffian. What's her name? Any photos of her? I have a huge TB mare, granddaughter of Secretariat, but she wasn't bred for running, even though she is 'goregeous' and has a golden personality/attitude.
By the way, I have an anti cribbing [stomp sucking, if that's what the mare does] recipe you may want to try on her. Not expensive and may be well worth trying. Cribbers are very hard to pass on to people, regardless.
SB
Ruffian wrote:But what i don't understand still is would FOS like this mare (beautifully conformed, etc.) over one that has a good pedigree- I don't think so, but the post was a little confusing (much like my posts!!!
Or does the looks come into play after the pedigree shows a hint of hope? As my method is????
So, is the point, IF you can't afford a well bred, well conformed, athletic, gorgeous moving horse, then the next best is a "so-so bred, with all the other ingredients? Is that the debate? Because for every person who can prove that point, there is another who says buy the well bred one with not so perfect conformation, because he/she looks and moves like an athelete.
I say, (not totally tongue-in-cheek), when buying yearlings, go find the small horses (with attitude) that no one is looking at, because you just might get something really good at a really good price.
(Sunday Silence, Hyperion, Northern Dancer, Smarty Jones, Imperialism.)
The suggestion that the foals be checked out on the farm is "intriguing". However, how many of the mares bred to a particular stallion, STAY at the farm, where they are bred, to foal? But certainly, if a foal catches your eye while checking the stallion out...that might be a good one to keep an eye on. It just doesn't seem the way to get a "complete" picture of the Stallion's get. Unless it is a Stallion just starting off, where the owner is breeding all of his/her particular mares to the Stallion. Swiss Yodeler would be one example that comes to mind. But that would be kind of like "insider trading". You'd have to be in the position to "see" what is going on or have someone alert you to it.
Well he isn't exactly free, I worked out a deal which is none of your business and it is to my advantage. Being small didn't hurt BARTOK any. They sold pretty well and could run. I am sure so will Skimmings. One hundred breeders ( average book ) a year can't all be wrong.
Northern Dancer was small or did you not know that ?
You sound jealous
Northern Dancer was small or did you not know that ?
You sound jealous
Last edited by steve on Thu Feb 24, 2005 12:23 am, edited 2 times in total.
hi BJ ... hello Ruffian ...hi sb
BJ...how about adding "little" Rahy to your list of good small horses and removing Smarty Jones...I don't see him as a small horse. I must say that on TV he appeared to lean toward the small side...but in the flesh he is a solid 15-3+ maybe 16 hands...and I would expect that when he's fully mature he might be 16-1+-. How about sharing your "anti cribbing recipe."
Ruffian...interesting and inciteful as always...you wrote "...would FOS like this mare (beautifully conformed, etc.) over one that has a good pedigree- I don't think so, but the post was a little confusing (much like my posts!!! )"
Actually 16-3 mares rarely appeal to me...especially the fragile...flighty...light-weight kind...ouch. If she's got long weak pasterns that sit-down as she walks...I'd also walk away without a second look regardless of her height or conformation. In general...lightweights just don't do it for me.
Ruffian...does your big-girl fit into the lightweight category...even though you describe her as "beautifully conformed?"
sb...you touched on an interesting topic when you mentioned cribbers. I must say...a significant number of the TOP mares I've been around are "cribbers". That in and of itself doesn't stop me...unless age and/or condition is a concern and/or the teeth are worn down into the gums and/or maintenance, health and veterinary issues might come into play. But All Things Considered I wouldn't exclude a good mare that happens to be a cribber. How about sharing your anti-cribbing recipe with us.
sb you also wrote "To sell at a good public auction, these babies have to be pampered, are not allowed to have any nicks or hair out of place, and they are fed to the hilt to make them look mature; all things which are not so good for a youngster and which may cause them to have a physical disadvantage over others."
I have seen what you describe...most often, years ago...mostly in Ky. It certainly may still be the case at some farms...but most of the commercial breeders that I know are seriously attempting to raise athletes...and do not hot-house and overfeed them.
Many farms that I know seem to follow a somewhat similar sales-prep plan and scheduling. For example...colts are often separated from each other (they can "play" very rough) usually sometime in March or April+- (possibly earlier). Fillies that are intended to be sales-prepped are usually turned out together (rarely separated from each other like the boys...although it's possible)...sometimes with as little as one or two buddys...all depending on circumstances.
Whether buddied-up fillies or individual colts...they are often in good-size paddocks where they can run and play freely...but maybe not attain top speed. Individual colts may be out during most of the day and probably all night (unless there are weather or veterinary concerns etc etc etc) until the schedule changes approx 60-90 days+- prior to the sale. Then they're usually kept up during much of the daylight hours (coat concerns, more individualized attention and grooming, closely-monitored foot care and trimming, hand walking etc etc etc) and out all night. They're fed intelligently. Some fillies and colts will also swim and/or walk for specific time periods at controlled speeds etc etc etc on what some call "European" walkers.
Obviously sales prepping is a very important period in a young horses's life...and methods certainly may vary. Probably what I have indicated might best be described as simply one method of sales-prep...in a rather short-hand version.
I suggest that to a large degree the "hot house" method is a thing of the past...although individual care and attention is flourishing...and sales-prep methods certainly may vary.
Best to you all.
Respectfully
BJ...how about adding "little" Rahy to your list of good small horses and removing Smarty Jones...I don't see him as a small horse. I must say that on TV he appeared to lean toward the small side...but in the flesh he is a solid 15-3+ maybe 16 hands...and I would expect that when he's fully mature he might be 16-1+-. How about sharing your "anti cribbing recipe."
Ruffian...interesting and inciteful as always...you wrote "...would FOS like this mare (beautifully conformed, etc.) over one that has a good pedigree- I don't think so, but the post was a little confusing (much like my posts!!! )"
Actually 16-3 mares rarely appeal to me...especially the fragile...flighty...light-weight kind...ouch. If she's got long weak pasterns that sit-down as she walks...I'd also walk away without a second look regardless of her height or conformation. In general...lightweights just don't do it for me.
Ruffian...does your big-girl fit into the lightweight category...even though you describe her as "beautifully conformed?"
sb...you touched on an interesting topic when you mentioned cribbers. I must say...a significant number of the TOP mares I've been around are "cribbers". That in and of itself doesn't stop me...unless age and/or condition is a concern and/or the teeth are worn down into the gums and/or maintenance, health and veterinary issues might come into play. But All Things Considered I wouldn't exclude a good mare that happens to be a cribber. How about sharing your anti-cribbing recipe with us.
sb you also wrote "To sell at a good public auction, these babies have to be pampered, are not allowed to have any nicks or hair out of place, and they are fed to the hilt to make them look mature; all things which are not so good for a youngster and which may cause them to have a physical disadvantage over others."
I have seen what you describe...most often, years ago...mostly in Ky. It certainly may still be the case at some farms...but most of the commercial breeders that I know are seriously attempting to raise athletes...and do not hot-house and overfeed them.
Many farms that I know seem to follow a somewhat similar sales-prep plan and scheduling. For example...colts are often separated from each other (they can "play" very rough) usually sometime in March or April+- (possibly earlier). Fillies that are intended to be sales-prepped are usually turned out together (rarely separated from each other like the boys...although it's possible)...sometimes with as little as one or two buddys...all depending on circumstances.
Whether buddied-up fillies or individual colts...they are often in good-size paddocks where they can run and play freely...but maybe not attain top speed. Individual colts may be out during most of the day and probably all night (unless there are weather or veterinary concerns etc etc etc) until the schedule changes approx 60-90 days+- prior to the sale. Then they're usually kept up during much of the daylight hours (coat concerns, more individualized attention and grooming, closely-monitored foot care and trimming, hand walking etc etc etc) and out all night. They're fed intelligently. Some fillies and colts will also swim and/or walk for specific time periods at controlled speeds etc etc etc on what some call "European" walkers.
Obviously sales prepping is a very important period in a young horses's life...and methods certainly may vary. Probably what I have indicated might best be described as simply one method of sales-prep...in a rather short-hand version.
I suggest that to a large degree the "hot house" method is a thing of the past...although individual care and attention is flourishing...and sales-prep methods certainly may vary.
Best to you all.
Respectfully
Okay lets be honest with each other and take a deep breath and just admit it. No one can identify how to breed the perfect racehorse. There are too many variables involved and really who knows why Cigar, Skip Away, etc. were as good as they were. I mean honestly the first time I saw Skip Away and that high knee action I about choked, but he was awe inspring nonetheless and his pedigree was nothing to fan any flames either. The point is that everyone has an idea of what they are looking for. What they think the secret key is. Me, I look at the individual first and pedigree second because the phenotype is influenced by the genotype, so what you see is probably what is going to be passed on regardless of pedigree.
In a funny side story, we had an old, hard-knocking low level claimer who was probably the most gorgeous moving horse I have every seen. It came to pass that his former owner sent us his 4yo maiden half-brother. This horse was as equally as well-conformed as his older brother but when he walked and trotted his front legs literally made full circles, but when he worked he traveled straight as arrow. His barn name? The Winger.
BTW, massive applause to BJ for being a small horse lover.
In a funny side story, we had an old, hard-knocking low level claimer who was probably the most gorgeous moving horse I have every seen. It came to pass that his former owner sent us his 4yo maiden half-brother. This horse was as equally as well-conformed as his older brother but when he walked and trotted his front legs literally made full circles, but when he worked he traveled straight as arrow. His barn name? The Winger.
BTW, massive applause to BJ for being a small horse lover.