How To Make Thoroughbred Ownership Work For You

Whether you are a member of a horse racing partnership or syndicate or you are buying a thoroughbred racehorse alone, you need to know many things before you buy the horse. You need to know far more than the initial costs, the monthly maintenance fees, and the partnership structure and policies. You must know what to look for in a horse.
Do you know what a horse's conformation is? Would you know if it was acceptable or unacceptable for racing? By definition, conformation simply means body shape. According to the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), when considering a horse you should look at their balance, bone structure, intelligence, and their level and the athletic abilities. TOBA defines these four attributes as follows:
1. Balance is a measure of how well proportioned the horse is. Its frame and muscle should be suited for each other.
2. Bone structure can be assessed by judging whether the horse is sturdy or lightweight.
3. Intelligence - Does the horse seem in control, aware of its surroundings, alert?
4. Athleticism - Does the horse look physically fit and capable?
Here are a few conformation flaws to watch for:
* Back at the knee means that the horse has knee joints that sit too far back, adding stress and risk to the knees. The horse may suffer from torn tendons or ligaments or from chipped bones with this condition.
* If a horse is toeing in, its front feet will be seen to slope inward, adversely affecting its stride.
* Toeing out is apparent when you see the horse?s feet facing outward. This can cause serious injuries from falls and bone spurs. When toeing out, one leg may hit another when running.
* Pig eyes - horses eyes are small and set close together which can impair their field of vision.
* Sway back is a weak, long back that makes saddling properly a difficult task and will cause soreness.
Keep in mind that no horse is conformed perfectly. However, you must look for the best possible combination of the aforementioned attributes in order to get the best horse possible. For example:
* A horse with very little intelligence will be difficult to train and may not obey the jockey's commands.
* A horse with poor fitness and a chronic health problem may not be able to race or win.
* Horses with too-dense bone structure have a greater risk of injury.
* If the proportion is wrong, the balance and speed of the horse can be negatively affected.
Conformation is a result of the horse?s genes. Keep looking for the best possible horse in order to find one with the best shot at winning.

By:

C. Anne Baker has been nonstop involved in thoroughbred horse racing and breeding and also racing charities, both in North America and Europe for three decades. Her outstanding guide to Horse Racing Partnerships is available at no cost, for a limited time only, from PartnersInThoroughbreds.com

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