I offer my expertise as a bloodstock agent, sales consultant, and pedigree analyst to assist in breeding or purchasing superior thoroughbred racehorses through sound pedigree principles, horsemanship, and consistent implementation of well-designed plans. Check out the resources I offer below and sign up for my newsletter!
Is Greed Sabotaging Thoroughbred Health? The Urgent Fix!
Hello Reader,
I hope this email finds you well and as passionate about the thoroughbred industry as I am. I’ve just published an article that I think will resonate with many of you, given the recurring incidents we’ve all been talking about. It’s time we stop merely treating the symptoms and start attacking the root of the problem—our breeding practices.
While we’ve made great strides in improving tracks and veterinary care, we’ve still got this glaring issue staring us in the face—why are our racehorses more prone to breakdowns than ever before? My latest piece tackles this contentious issue, breaking down how commercial breeding trends have compromised the integrity of our majestic thoroughbreds.
🔍 Ignoring the Root: The Pitfalls of Commercial Breeding We’ve got to face facts—our focus on marketability and speed is a double-edged sword, and it’s weakening our breed. We’re putting short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
🐕 Not Just a Pretty Face: Breeding for Sales vs. Longevity A high auction price doesn’t necessarily translate to a durable racehorse. This trend is akin to breeding show dogs for appearance while turning a blind eye to health issues.
🧬 The Gene Pool Dilemma: Time for Genetic Diversity With a limited gene pool, we’re essentially reinforcing the same genetic weaknesses. The lack of diversity is making our horses more susceptible to breakdowns.
🌿 The Bold Path Forward: A Call for Selective Breeding Selective breeding isn’t radical—it’s necessary. It’s about blending different gene pools for hybrid vigor, fostering resilience alongside speed and power.
🎯 Concrete Steps: From Words to Action Let’s set clear guidelines for stallion and mare selection. We can’t afford to keep breeding unsound horses into the mix.
💡 Incentives for Better Breeding It’s high time the industry starts incentivizing stud farms to diversify, bringing in stamina and resilience as key traits.
I’m calling this a fork in the road. We have a choice to make, and I believe it’s one that could redefine the future of thoroughbred racing for the better.
Feel free to share your thoughts, let’s open this conversation wide and let the chips fall where they may.
Cheers to a brighter, stronger future for our thoroughbreds,
Clark
P.S. Your feedback means the world to me. Let’s engage, discuss, and push for meaningful change. 🌟
Cell: (859) 321-6618
Email: clark@bloodstock-agent-ky.com
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Hi! I'm Clark Shepherd.
I offer my expertise as a bloodstock agent, sales consultant, and pedigree analyst to assist in breeding or purchasing superior thoroughbred racehorses through sound pedigree principles, horsemanship, and consistent implementation of well-designed plans. Check out the resources I offer below and sign up for my newsletter!
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