Publish Date: November 7, 2022

If you’re looking at purchasing a horse, this article will look at why pedigree should not be your only choice when buying a racehorse.

Identifying what makes a champion and, in turn, how to breed or buy one is easier said than done. When it comes to purchasing a yearling at the sale, the horse’s pedigree should be a consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Although it’s an exciting opportunity, it also requires a substantial investment. Before taking the step, think about the following.

A Good Conformation

Although pedigree is important, good conformation is one of the most crucial characteristics of a successful horse in horse racing. This indicates that the horse is adequately put together such that each part functions as a whole. When purchasing a racehorse, confirmation is the most crucial consideration. Determining a horse’s chances of success on the racetrack has proven essential. Without excellent confirmation, a racehorse can become uncompetitive and frequently hurt.

Breeders spend many hours scrutinizing horses and choosing only the best for breeding to acquire this degree of conformation. Because it influences almost every aspect of a racehorse’s performance on the track, proper confirmation is essential.

Many breeders and owners found that training injuries, lameness, and even poor muscular growth are frequently caused by poor conformation. As you can see, a successful racing career depends on having a horse with decent conformation. That is why everyone in horse sales looks for horses with good confirmation and, at the same time, an impressive pedigree. However, these horses are typically the most expensive and are beyond buyers’ price range.

So, if you have a price range and the sales toppers are out of budget, you would go for the less-than-perfect racehorse. That’s where the dilemma comes in, which horse will you choose, the one with an impressive pedigree or the one with a good confirmation?

Remember this, similar to confirmation, most racing prospects have strong pedigrees or they wouldn’t be up for sale. That is why you need assistance from an experienced horseman since you need to know what risks are acceptable and what horses are worth on the market.

Hiring an experienced horseman

Although buying a racehorse may be a thrilling experience, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a significant financial commitment. Always work with a professional trainer or someone who has expertise with racehorses so they can assist you in choosing the best horse and walk you through the acquisition process.