Postby KAL » Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:33 pm
Camish,
I'll try to be brief. There are some positives to the mares you have listed... however, rather than re-hash what you probably already know, please allow me to play devil's advocate...
Hip 4248 has an very late breeding date. This will probably mean she will need next year off, unless everything goes perfectly. And, at her age, a missed year means quite a bit. Additionally, even if she doesn't miss a year, her foals will be up against it in the sales ring because they will be giving away so much time, and this will limit you, pretty much, to the fall yearling sales. Limitations are not good... options (selling as weanling, July sales, etc. ) are. She probably won't be expensive though, and may not even reach Indian Charlie's fee.
Hip 4283 has quite a pedigree and, thusly, will attract a little more attention, however, she has had quite a few chances and not met with much success. Before considering her, you probably should ask yourself what you can do to move her foals forward. She wouldn't be a bad choice, but I would rather go with one who hasn't proven unsuccessful yet.
Hip 4325 has a little of both the above. Late, late breeding date is a huge negative. Also, she hasn't produced much from the chances she has had.
HIp 4356 is a mare I actually looked at within the past couple years. I think she was a Darley mare. The thing which pushed me against her, and which I would advise you to consider, is her produce record. She has been bred to the best... and produced virtually nothing. How on earth will you improve her?
Hip 4434 would scare me a little because of the produce record... or lack thereof for the past couple years. I would wish to make absolutely certain she was in foal. I think you could move her forward with different stallion selection. Her age is a factor, however it should make her more affordable also. Ron Blake is a good friend of mine. If you wish to know more about her, closer to the sales, I would be happy to introduce you or ask him what you wish to know for you. He is an extremely honest, straight-shooter.
On another note, you may wish to think about the F-T sales and the Kee January sale. Or, with all the horses I have been seeing for sale privately, you may wish to pursue that option. They are definitely out there. For example, we have one we will probably try to sell privately, and if no takers, sell her in F-T February. She is open, because we chose not to bred her late in the year, she vets completely clean, and will be sold with a guarantee of breeding soundness. She is younger, and has her family fills a page very well. I know I see others similar listed every day.
Good luck! I'd look for thoughts from others on these mares. I am sure more positives will be presented.
