Spinoff: Pedigree vs performance... mare vs stallion?

[Where_sMyWhite]

As it applies to racing TBs only

For broodmares, which is of more value to the mare, her performance on the track or her pedigree?

Same for breeding stallions, which is of more value, performance on the track or his pedigree?

And if the answer is different, why?

[LaurieB]

I’m sure every breeder will have different opinions on this. But for me, the most important thing about a stallion is his race record. There are so many quality racehorses available at stud, why would I ever skimp on that? I want a horse that stayed sound for numerous starts and that competed successfully in top company.

Second would be pedigree, as I’m using that to assess his chances of reproducing himself. Third most important criteria is conformation. I don’t actually care that much about the specifics of how a horse is built as long as he looks and moves like an athlete.

Now–I’m only weighing those qualities if a stallion is unproven. In a proven horse the only two things I care about are how good are his offspring and how well does he match up with my mare?

For a broodmare, pedigree matters to me. I want her to come from a family of producers. I’d prefer that she is at least a winner and that she ran in good company. Black type is always a big plus. If she didn’t race, I want to know why not. If she raced unsuccessfully, again why? I’m pickier about conformation with a mare–unless I happen to stumble over a G1 winner I can afford in which case I don’t care what she looks like. :lol:

But again, those things only matter to me if a mare is unproven. Once she has foals on the ground, and at the track, then I’m all about what she has–or hasn’t–produced.

The reason that the answers are a bit different for a stallion or a mare is because G1 calibre stallions are readily available for everyone to breed to. The same calibre of mare belongs only to the very top breeders (of which I am not one.)

[Shammy_Davis]

[QUOTE=Where’sMyWhite;8772346]
As it applies to racing TBs only

For broodmares, which is of more value to the mare, her performance on the track or her pedigree?

Same for breeding stallions, which is of more value, performance on the track or his pedigree?

And if the answer is different, why?[/QUOTE]

This article might be of interest to you.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/106212/maternal-influences-make-a-difference