Ownership Considerations
The Thoroughbred industry welcomes new owners.
While participating in Thoroughbred racing and breeding offers an
exciting opportunity, it is nonetheless a speculative opportunity.
The game offers high risk, high emotion and high excitement. Money
is won and lost, but no better time is had in the process.
Take a few moments to review these materials and to familiarize
yourself with what Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
(TOBA) believes are basic pre-participation considerations. The
place to start is with the recognition that horses are not machines;
they cannot be programmed, nor do they perform on command. They are
often temperamental and unpredictable. Like a child, a horse does
not always live up to one's expectations. As good parents are
prepared to deal with the ups and downs and the emotional and
financial considerations of parenthood so too are successful owners!
How does one become a successful owner? TOBA believes it begins with
thorough preparation and continuing education, not to mention common
sense. Every owner can become a knowledgeable and successful manager
if he or she is willing to take the time to learn how to do
something more about Thoroughbred ownership than write the monthly
support check. If you are serious about participating in the
Thoroughbred industry and becoming a new owner, consider these
suggestions:
Get Familiar with the Game
READ!
Begin by reading or visiting the web sites of industry and trade
publications such as: The Blood Horse, Daily Racing Form and
Thoroughbred Times. Also, many farms and racetracks have informative
web sites.
OBSERVE!
Attend the races. Attend the sales. Observe owners, trainers,
consignors, buyers, veterinarians and other professionals in action.
NETWORK!
Contact the owners and breeders organization in your state. Inquire
about services offered and membership benefits. Become involved with
the organizations and make personal contact with local horsemen.
COMMUNICATE!
Ask owners, trainers and other industry insiders if you may speak
with them regarding how you might get involved in the business. TOBA
believes that you will be pleasantly surprised at the number of
insiders who are willing to assist those seriously considering
investing in the industry, regardless of the level of investment.
CONSULT!
Locate a consultant or more experienced owner who is willing to
serve as a mentor. Be discriminating, and in the case of
professional consultants, check references. Remember, the objective
here is to identify someone you can trust. Listen to the advice
given, but don't feel obligated to follow it, as ultimately every
decision you make should be your own.
PARTICIPATE!
Participate in industry-sponsored events and educational programs.
