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Factors in Broodmare Selection

by R. Soutar

There are several factors important to consider when selecting a broodmare for the purpose of breeding a race horse. Many are visible from a typical sale catalog page, but some require further research. Some factors to consider include the following:

Her previous produce record

Produce record of her Dam and Grand-Dam

Potential for passing on the large heart.

Her conformation

Her body type (close coupled, long backed, tall, etc.)

Her race record

Her Sire

Is she in foal?

If so, what sire she is in foal to.

Potential "nicks" or inbreeding potential.

Are you breeding for your own racing stable or for market?

There is no implication of priority in which the order these factors are presented. For any breeding being considered, the factors take on relative importance based on the circumstances at hand. For instance, in breeding to a particular sire there may be known nicks or inbreeding situations that seem to produce superior race horses. This may raise this factor in importance. There are certainly other factors to consider, and broodmare choice in many ways is more art than science, so all factors should be considered as rules of thumb – there are no guarantees of success in the horse business…

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Last modified: November 08, 2003

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