IT is that time of year again when the brave/intrepid/optimistic/ambitious foal breeders prepare and endeavour to dance their annual tango with the discerning and even braver/more optimistic/boundlessly ambitious foal purchasers.

As in life, at the bloodstock sales dance floor, no one wants to be the wall-flower standing alone in the corner, feeling the cold arctic harsh reality of being uncommercial, ill-prepared and unwanted.

All those who attend the sales regularly as vendors, have at some stage acquired a taste of that unwanted feeling and it is the valuable lessons learned in the analysis of the harsh environment that sow the seeds for the warm, contented, satisfactory glow that is derived from a successful and lucrative foal sales campaign.

The difference between a successful and unsuccessful sale of foals is a tantalising combination of those factors that can be controlled and those that reside in the realms of lady-luck and cannot be controlled or managed.

The five excellent articles written on this subject last year by Jacqueline Norris, Nia O’Malley, Fiona Dogget, Margaret Wilson and Bill Dwan are essential reading for all interested parties.

The foal sales preparation matrix cannot be examined or visited properly without extending the process out to incorporate the elements that combine to bring the foal into being and properly available for preparation.

Firstly, the selection of stallion is of vital importance where the breeder/vendor must strive to select a stallion that complements the mare’s conformation, is likely to be commercial at the time of sales and whose fee is appropriate to the value of the mare.

Secondly, mare husbandry and nutrition throughout the gestation and foal at foot period is essential and must be a given.

Thirdly, safe foaling down and foal husbandry while the foal is at foot is vital for the foal’s well-being, development and conformation.

Fourthly, the weaning process needs to be completed timely and in a manner that minimises stress upon the foal. So with a healthy, confident, well-handled, safely weaned foal, the formal process to which approximately five weeks could be devoted can begin.

This process can be divided into five stages and has as its ultimate aim the presentation of the foal at the sales complex in a manner whereby the foal shows him or herself to the best effect and goes through the sales ring realising its maximum commercial potential, thereby reflecting the care, attention and professionalism of all those involved in the rearing and preparation.

SALES PREPARATION

Stage One: During this stage the foal is fully examined and assessed so that the preparation can be individually tailored to meet the physical, farrier, nutritional, psychological and cosmetic needs of each foal.

The foal commences its sales-specific education. The foal will be individually stabled, when housed, from this time forward and will be allowed restricted paddock exercise as appropriate.

The foal will be given controlled formal walking exercise usually in groups while wearing a rubber bit, in order to commence the build up of the foal’s fitness. The foal will also be introduced to light grooming.

Stage Two: At this stage the foal will be continuously monitored and assessed as to his/her progress and ability to cope with the preparation process.

The foal will be given gradually increased controlled formal walking exercise, with walking in straight lines and standing properly for inspection being added to the repertoire, which adds to the foal’s fitness and ability to concentrate. Restricted paddock exercise continues as appropriate and light grooming continues.

Stage Three: Monitoring and assessment of the foal continues with specific attention given to muscle tone and overall appearance. Feed levels and supplements are adjusted on an individual basis as necessary in order to assist the foal’s ability to cope with the preparatory process.

The foal’s formal walking exercise will continue to increase with the instances and quality of walking in straight lines and standing properly for inspection being focused upon. At this stage exercise and preparation may be divided into two sessions as the attention span and ability to cope of the babies is limited.

Restricted paddock exercise continues as appropriate. Grooming duration and intensity is further increased with manes and mane plaiting over being attended to.

Stage Four: This is usually the week before the sale and all elements of this stage acquire heightened focus and attention. Monitoring and assessment of the foal now incorporates that standard which will be necessary for and present at the sales.

Muscle tone, overall appearance, standard of walking, standing for inspection and cosmetic presentation now become the priority. Feed levels and supplements are maintained as necessary. The foal’s formal exercise regime is continued where some adjustment may be made depending on the anticipated popularity of the foal.

The foal should transition from group to individual work in preparation for sales showings. Farrier work and preparation to sales standard should be completed. Restricted paddock exercise continues as appropriate.

Stage Five: At this stage the foal’s European Health Certification should be completed by the vet. Someone should be sent to the sales complex in advance to make all necessary preparations prior to the foal’s arrival at the stabling. Travel arrangements and travelling of the foal are of vital importance as there is nothing worse than undoing all the hard work and preparation in the form of a sales withdrawal, due to an avoidable travelling incident.

All those involved should be at their most attentive in handling the foals during their arrival at, and first day in, the sales complex as the foal must be given all assistance in becoming familiar with their new surroundings.

From this point on until the foal is in the care of new ownership all involved must be at their peak performance and the focus at all times is how to best present the foal and best meet the requirements or desires of intended purchasers.

Administrative Elements

Do not forget that there are vital administrative elements that must be attended to and completed in a timely fashion throughout the foal rearing, preparing and selling process. These include: