Those considering the first-time purchase of a Standardbred racehorse may wish to sign up for one of four workshops being held this fall. The U.S. Trotting Association (USTA) will sponsor a workshop on purchasing a yearling at public auction in conjunction with the New Jersey Classic Sale at Showplace Farm, Route 33, in Millstone. The sale is Sept. 12, and the workshop is Sept. 11 from 1-5 p.m. The same seminar will also be offered from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Standardbred Horse Sale in Harrisburg, Pa. That sale starts on Nov. 1.
At both seminars the agenda will include discussion of the risks and rewards of buying a yearling, how to analyze pedigree and conformation, and how to make a budget and target yearlings that will fit a shopper’s budget. Participants will also select yearlings to be sold at auction for inspection by trainers, who will give their opinions on the youngster’s relative strengths and weaknesses.
Tuition for the yearling workshops is $40 per person or $45 per couple and includes a video and workbooks on conformation and a one-year subscription to Hoof Beats magazine. To register or for more information, call Ellen Harvey at (732) 780-3700 or e-mail [email protected].