Understanding a Horse's Walk: A Guide for Thoroughbred Evaluation

Question
Hi Jim
Recently I have received advice on how to choose a young thoroughbred. An athletic build and a good walk, both toward and away from you is deemed essential. How would u best explain these terms?
thanks, Tanya

Answer

Hi Tanya:

Thanks for your question - although this is a little out of my realm of handicapping and wagering, I think you have received pretty good advice - what I look for in a horse is the walk, the shoulder build (like Curlin,) and I guess I would say a little frisky.  Not overly nervous, but perky if you know what I mean.  They tend to be a little nervous before a race anyway, but I like the "can't hardly wait" look - you can tell the difference between nervous and anxious by the way they hold their head and with their ears perked up.  I don't like to see a horse that has his head down - when they are very calm with their head looking down, that can mean that they do not feel well.  Horses are just like humans - one day we feel good and the next day we just don't exactly feel like we did the day before.  I call it the "race track blues" and it normally comes after a day of bad wagers.

I hope this helps you.  Again, many thanks for your question.

Jim