Buying a foal

Question
I am looking at buying a foal from a sale to sell on as a yearling at the sales a year later.  Can you advise me as to what to look for exactly when viewing foals at the sales for flat racing?  For example in their legs and body and height and size etc thank you

Answer
Zoe,

I can't really explain in print what sort of physical aspects to look for in a weanling, because it is such a visual thing.  You really need to see what is being explained in person.  Obviously you want a baby that is at least of average height, and as correct as possible.  Basically you are looking for the same things that you would in a full grown horse.  A deep shoulder, good hip, easy walk, etc.  But it can be tricky seeing these things in a weanling.  Plus a weanling can change a great deal by the time the are yearlings, and there are a few telltale traits to watch for.  For instance,a baby that toes in a bit as a weanling may well correct himself as his chest widens out with age.  But you have to be able to recognize which ones will, and which ones won't.  That just comes with experience.  I would advise finding a good judge of baby conformation, and ask him or her to go with you to help evaluate the physical aspects of the weanlings at the sale, at least until you are comfortable enough to do it for yourself.
But by far the most important thing to look for in a weanling to yearling pinhook is the baby's pedigree.  Buyers are far more forgiving of pedigree with a yearling to two-year-old pinhook, because they will be able to see how the two year old is training and breezing.  If a horse is training or breezing really well, most buyers will forgive a weak pedigree.  But with a yearling, the pedigree is most of what they have to go by to judge the baby's potential. The yearling may well be gorgeous, but if nobody in the family could run worth a darn, they probably won't be willing to risk much cash on him.  Conformation is important, but you really need to buy the best pedigree that you can afford along with it, if you plan to sell as a yearling.

Good Luck!

Stephanie Frost
www.AlchmeyBloodstock.com