What Does It Take To Be A Successful Thoroughbred Bloodstock Agent

By Paul Collins


Spending every day working inside a corporate office, wearing a suit and tie, isn't for everyone. Some prefer to be independent entrepreneurs instead of working for someone else. People who love animals often end up in veterinary medicine. For those who love horses, careers as breeders, jockeys, trainers, or owners are possibilities. You could choose a career as a thoroughbred bloodstock agent if you love the racing and breeding industry.

There are a number of areas you can specialize in within this field. The majority of agents buy thoroughbred horses, and sell them, for their clients. These are usually free agents, or independent contractors. They are not generally employees of the clients they serve. They make their money by receiving commissions from the purchase and sale of thoroughbreds.

There is no licensing or certification requirement for agents. No particular education is required. If you are interested in a career in this field, taking courses in equine physiology and anatomy will be helpful. You might also take classes in selling and marketing. You must have an intimate knowledge of the equine industry. Many agents begin by working at breeding farms or become apprentices to trainers.

Even after an initial apprenticeship with a trainer, most go on to work closely with an experienced and respected bloodstock agent. Older agents are often on the lookout for talented youngsters who have an eye when it comes to judging horseflesh. They believe this is something that can't be learned in school. The best agents know all the important pedigrees and adhere to the strict code of ethics that governs the industry.

Having an eye for a talented thoroughbred doesn't mean that an agent can just go to an auction and bid without preparation. A great deal of time is spent researching pedigrees. Not all auctions are public. A lot of transactions are made privately, and agents negotiate for their clients at these sales as well. There are agents who decide to concentrate on the breeding end of the industry. Some agents become appraisers of horseflesh.

Travel is a requirement for most successful agents. They may have to board a plane and travel halfway around the world to inspect a talented animal. There are agents that only work in the racing area of the industry, and others who specialize in the breeding of horses. Some clients commission agents to buy horses to resell. This is known as pinhooking.

Salaries vary widely. When you are working as an apprentice, or just starting out on your own, the salary is fairly modest, usually in the range of thirty thousand a year. If you gain a reputation as an agent with an eye for winners and good breeding stock, your salary might top a quarter million dollars a year.

It is possible to work in a field you feel passionate about and earn a good income doing it. You must plan carefully and try to apprentice with the experts in the industry. It will take training, luck, and time, but you could become one the leaders in the equine world.




About the Author:



No comments: