Читать книгу Beyond the Track - Anna Morgan Ford - Страница 14

If the foal is being prepped to sell in the fall as a weanling, meaning he has been separated from his dam and is between 6 and 12 months old, chances are the colt or filly will be handled regularly at a young age in order to be ready for the sale. Breeders aim to have their weanlings in top condition, so they are groomed and hand-walked daily, and bathed often. In addition, they are taught to have their feet handled and to stand quietly while their hooves are trimmed.

At the sale, buyers weigh conformation and pedigree most heavily.

SALES DAY

1.4 A–E Many Thoroughbreds are specially prepared for sale. Here, a well-behaved weanling is paraded at the Keeneland (KY) Fall Sale (A). Yearlings are conditioned and polished from head to toe (B). They are expected to stand quietly while inspected by potential buyers (C & D). For two-year-old sales, horses are prepared months ahead for a timed two-furlong gallop (E).