by Thomas J. Gallo

Yes we all get that same feeling when we get that much awaited call. The inspectors are coming, the inspectors are coming. (sounds like the title to my favorite comedy thriller). Then the second guessing starts: will my grand colt make the grade? Will my filly act silly like she did the other day when I was turning her out? Will her mane lay right. I hope she doesn't cow kick the inspector like she did the blacksmith.

Relax already! With a little planning and some pre inspection preparation everything should go smoothly and without a hitch.

From the time you think about nominating your horse to the time the inspectors arrive(30-45 days) you should start giving your yearling some extra attention. A common misconception is that grooming is the most important element in making your yearling look good. By grooming I mean brushing, bathing, mane pulling, all the things you do to make your yearling shine. You can teach the yearlings to stand and be groomed but the thing the inspectors want to see is a yearling that behaves at the walk and carries himself like a horse that has some maturity. This can be achieved by picking a level spot on your farm and walking the horse briskly. The first days will be an adventure for both you and your yearling but after a while he or she should get used to it. I would walk the yearling for a good 20 minutes a day and increasing this to 45 minutes. After your yearling gets into the regime you can start teaching him how to stand and get him used to a chifney bit in his mouth. Once he is used to the bit you must teach your yearling to stand properly as if he is being shown at a sale. This will take time and a good deal of patience but it is essential to your horse showing himself properly. Let some one walk the horse so you can see his stride. You want him to reach out and cover ground with a long determined stride. If his walk looks tentative or he seems uncomfortable with the surface go ahead and put front plates on him, this should help him walk at his best. I like to shoe or trim my yearlings about every three weeks and not less than one week before an inspection or a sale. I'm convinced manners and a strong brisk walk will do more for your horse than a bath and a shiny coat. Although don't overlook the value of grooming for a confidence builder which will help to strengthen the bond between you and your horse.

Your prepared, your yearling looks great your yearling shows himself well your dying to know what the inspector thinks? So ask! They'll tell you what they think. These people have the best eyes in the business and would be happy to leave you with some positive comments or advice.

Now all this hard work and preparation does not insure acceptance in to the sale of your dreams. There are elusive qualities that a horse either has or doesn't; they are called balance and good confirmation. But don't despair the auction market (retail market) has never been stronger. If your yearling doesn't make a selected sale the open sales provide a very strong venue for an athletic individual and like we all know a correct horse doesn't always a race horse make. The beauty of the NY Breeding and Racing program is no matter what you get at the sale for your yearling you have a great chance to reap dividends when the horse gets to the races in the form of breeders awards. This can be a considerable amount of money. I love those breeders awards.

I hope this has been helpful and answered most of your questions. If you have additional questions please call the NYTB office and they will give you a list of competent sales agents.