DO’S

? Travel to the sales at least one day prior to the sales to let the foal settle and get used to the new environment.

? Create a clear door card with the lot number, age, sex and breeding of the foal. Ensure that for colts there is a Testicular Certificate laminated and put on the door.

? Make sure to feed and exercise foals early so that you are ready to start showing from 8.30am onwards.

? Keep your foal clean and ready to pull out of the box.

? Keep a record of all potential purchasers that view your foal and do not be afraid to ask people their name or update them on new information regarding the animal’s pedigree.

? Set a realistic reserve and talk to your auctioneer about your expectations.

DON’TS

? Do not overfeed animals or change their feeds at sales time.

? No rugs! Many people use rugs to make their foals’ coats look better. However, many purchasers dislike to see foals rugged. They usually plan to purchase foals and turn them out to grass.

? Do not restrict a foal’s head movement. Let the foal walk with a loose rein. This helps stop a foal becoming tense.

? Do not keep interfering with a foal’s stance. With good training you should be able to get a good open stance in the first or second try.

? Do not put a very tall person with a small foal as you will only emphasise the height of the animal.

? If an animal misbehaves do not over-react. A calm handler equals a calm foal.