March 11-12, 2015
Ocala, Fla.
Fourteen Thoroughbred owners and breeders gathered at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in Ocala, Fla. to learn from top industry professionals about the topics of pedigree and conformation. Tammy Gantt of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association opened the clinic with an introduction to the breeding and racing industry in Florida. Dr. Donnie Slone of Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital gave a lecture on Thoroughbred conformation, referring to a memorable quote by Liz Santschi: “All things being equal, nature favors a functional conformation, but not a ‘perfect’ conformation.” This set the theme for the rest of the clinic. The attendees saw proven runners, as well as great potentials in the form of week-old foals and two-year-olds in training. The owners and breeders learned that no horse is conformed perfectly and that the body types of successful runners may vary greatly. As long as their conformation is functional, it need not be perfect.
Scott Kintz gives a live conformation workshop of Magna Graduate.
Melissa Anthony of Double Diamond Farm discussed the two-year-olds in training breeze show on the sunny morning. The trackside view of the young horses breezing past the attendees was the perfect setting for the discussion.
The clinic then took an afternoon trip to Woodford Thoroughbreds where general manager Scott Kintz evaluated conformation of stallions and foals at the farm. The attendees discussed the conformational traits and differences between Magna Graduate, Soldat and He’s Had Enough, along with some of their offspring.
Thoroughbred ownership goes beyond evaluating, purchasing and breeding these equine athletes. Marti Haught, owner of Tack Shack of Ocala, led a private tour of the local tack shop to demonstrate the different equipment for Thoroughbreds from small foal halters and yearling sale halters to two-year-old training equipment and even racing tack and equipment. Haught also showed the group how tack is made and prepared in the leather repair section of the shop.
Danzel Brendemuehl evaluates conformation of two-year-olds in training.
The two days of education continued with live conformation workshops of two-year-olds in the OBS sale, led by consignors Eddie Woods of Eddie Woods Training Center and Danzel Brendemuehl of Classic Bloodstock. Both Woods and Brendemuehl made sure to show sale horses of different body types to illustrate how their particular conformation will aid in their anticipated running style, such as turf versus dirt and sprinter versus classic distance runner.
Richard Kent of Kaizen Sales discussed auction procedures of the major auction houses in the country and resources for owners and buyers when shopping at a public sale. The clinic wrapped up with a lecture on pedigree theories and planning matings by pedigree analyst Avalyn Hunter. Pedigree and conformation go hand-in-hand for Thoroughbred owners and breeders. The attendees learned the importance of educating oneself on both topics in order to make an informed decision on the purchase or breeding of that next great racehorse.
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.