I first started Rogers Ranch with the intention of only racing horses, but in the second year I was propositioned with the purchase of a weanling colt. Until that time I was not very conscious of how important Pedigree is for thoroughbreds, because I claimed horses based on their recent performances. I was  cautioned to look back over the last two years at the sales results for the sire of the weanling that I wanted to purchase to make sure that his progeny sold for more than I was expected to pay.

Not only did I find that the sire's average progeny sales were two to three times more than what I eventually paid, but I also realized how much profit can be made in the broodmare, yearling and two year old sales if you do your homework. The only downside is that it's not as exciting as racing. You buy a horse and take care of it until it goes to the sale. Sometimes it's eight to thirteen months later.

From looking back through the sales results, I began to realize how important pedigree is in determining the value of the thoroughbred. Bloodstock agents, pinhookers and owners are willing to pay top dollar for well bred colts and fillies as long as they also look good. Broodmares that are in foal to popular Stallions can also bring a lot of money in the sales.

On my Links page, I have listed some of the sales companies as well as many of the pedigree information sites. The Stallion Register is a good starting point to find stud fees, and previous sales results for their progeny. I also use Werks eNicks and True Nicks extensively to determine which stallions I want to breed my broodmares to, and I try to find a match rating of "A" or higher. Pedigree Query is also a valuable tool as it gives you a five generation history of your potential foal.

Equally important is presentation at the sale. You need to have a reliable farm that will prepare your broodmares or foals to look their absolute best when they enter the sales ring. On my Socialization page I have listed the farms that I use. I am very happy with the performance of Willow Ridge Ranch in Illinois and CircleT Farm in Kentucky