March 8-9, 2014
Ocala, Fla.

Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 marked the first TOBA clinic of the year. Twenty owners and breeders of varied involvement in the industry gathered at Ocala Breeders’ Sales in Ocala, Fla. to expand their knowledge of Thoroughbred pedigree and conformation. Florida weather delayed both the OBS two-year-old select sale and the clinic by a day, but that didn’t stop the attendees from taking advantage of the unique opportunity the weekend gave them.

Brent Furnung discusses the OBS breeze show

Brent Furnung discusses the OBS breeze show

The Pedigree & Conformation Clinic opened on Saturday morning with a discussion of the breeze show from Brent Fernung, president of Journeyman Stud. Dr. Scott A. Hay, DVM of Tiegland, Franklin and Brokken provided an excellent presentation on conformation, followed by Avalyn Hunter’s expertise on pedigree theories. The afternoon consisted of a farm tour to GoldMark Farm, where general manager Todd Quast evaluated the conformation of several horses. The attendees then relaxed at the OBS Tiki Hut, sharing hors d’oeuvres and experiences with each other.

The clinic continued early Sunday morning as the sun rose over the OBS shedrow. The attendees joined several leaders in the industry for a conformation evaluation of sale horses at the barns of consignors Becky Thomas and Niall Brennan. Other industry leaders involved in the discussion were trainer Gary Contessa and bloodstock agents Barry Berkelhammer and Bob Feld. “I was able to learn from some of the best in the business; they were very helpful in showing us horses and explaining the process of inspecting a horse and deciding what qualities to look for in a great racehorse prospect,” said attendee Mary Kautzman of Windemere, Fla. Niall Brennan’s take-home message to the group included: “Horses come in all shapes and sizes; don’t limit yourself to one single type of horse.”

Becky Thomas and Gary Contessa evaluate conformation

Becky Thomas and Gary Contessa evaluate conformation

The clinic wrapped up with a presentation by Craig Bernick of Glen Hill Farm on planning matings, followed by the OBS auction process by sales manager Tod Wojciechowski.

TOBA’s seminar and clinic program, sponsored by The Blood-Horse, is open to anyone with an interest to learn more about a variety of aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. Topics include pedigree and conformation, breeding, and Thoroughbred ownership. Click here to learn more and register for an upcoming clinic.