As second careers become an increasingly important part of the Thoroughbred lifestyle, more people are curious about what drives an off-track horse's value in its second career.
In a recent study published in the journal Animals, Dr. Madalynn Camp of Illinois State University led a team of scientists who collected information on the sales of 170 Thoroughbreds via online sporthorse auctions between 2012 and 2020.
The team was able to isolate a few elements that impacted price in the online auction market.
They found:
- The average highest bid for a Thoroughbred in an online sport horse auction was $2,439.12
- Buyers preferred horses that were registered with the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, or the United States Eventing Association, which indicated that the horse had a competition record
- Registration with The Jockey Club didn't affect the horse's prices, indicating that buyers viewed all Thoroughbreds similarly, whether or not they were bred to race
- Horses that had professional training commanded more money, but it did not increase the likelihood of a sale
- Horses that had been trail ridden were not as valued as highly as those Thoroughbreds with English-riding experience. Researchers say this could be because bidders were searching for a more competitive mount or that they didn't think trail riding needed as much formalized training
- Thoroughbreds listed as experienced in primarily stock-horse disciplines brought nearly $1,600 less than horses with another primary discipline listed
- Coat colors of choice included chestnut and grey
- Buyers preferred geldings, which is the opposite from buyers of stock horses at online auction
The researchers also noted that though a horse increases in value as it ages, the turning point to when age after which price seems to drop is 9 years old.
They also pointed out that buyer demand for Thoroughbreds that have begun second careers may indicate this as a viable option for successful, long-term placement of Thoroughbreds.
Read more at HorseTalk New Zealand
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