Bloodlines Matter, Trainers Matter More

Thoroughbreds will run, and Quarter Horses will cut, right? Yes, but maybe not too. Every horse has such a vast range of capabilities, but their bloodline can help place you on a more direct track; track racing, barrel racing, cutting, reining, etc. However, even the most well-bred barrel racer isn’t born with a map of the pattern, won’t change leads correctly on their own, they won’t just immediately understand and be comfortable with their tack just because their ancestors were great. It takes a great trainer to know what they’re doing to shape your horse. How many amazing horses have ended up in bad auctions or sold for cheap because they were handled by a trainer/owner who didn’t know what they were doing or got more “horse” than they bargained for? How many grade and misfit horses have been taken on by incredibly talented trainers who built them into something incredible? If you put an untouched Hancock in the hands of someone who isn’t experienced in starting horses, you’re going to end up with a shit soup. But that same horse could go on to be a World Champ in experienced hands. Picking bloodlines is just the start of the game, but your trainer(s) will make or break your deal.