Backgrounding Race Horses

Question
What are special attention is given to potential race horses as yearlings?

At what age do you start physically conditioning the future race horse?  (yearling?)  

Answer
Hi Bobbi,
        Generally, yearlings fall into three main groups and each is treated differently.
Group 1 is the yearlings that will go to the sales ring. In NZ that means early in January but in the US it will be probably June/July. These yearlings are given some schooling and a lot of handling to make them more presentable. They begin a hard feed diet with many vitamin supplements and are given a lot of grooming. From the sales ring they will generally be turned out for a period and then broken in and bought into training if they  are a likely two year old type.
Group two are the yearlings which may be later developers or are being retained by the breeder. They will follow the breaking and early schooling as above but when they are ready.
Group three are those that may never race but may have a future as breeders or show horses.
In NZ we usually try out two year olds at the race trials to see what they can do. There are some big stakes races for two year olds and for owners looking for a quick return.  I guess I could go on for ages about horses however this answers your immediate question.
Check out www.racingworld.com which has some great links and ring a couple of local trainers for more info.
Regards,
Don Boddie