A couple of days ago I was engaged in a conversation with a successful South Island trainer. We were discussing the value of inbreeding and the word “incestuous” came up. Back in the mid 1900’s and beyond, this heavily emotive term was frequently used to discredit attempts to produce inbred thoroughbreds.
However, we’re always looking to find clever ways – preferably at minimum cost – to produce a faster horse, and inbreeding really does seem to work, however one defines that contentious term.
So I had a quick search for some expert commentary on the issue and almost immediately discovered the article linked below.
I also discovered another article which clearly assumed that the concerns raised were of no importance compared with our need to produce thoroughbreds which turned out to be more successful than their peers. This article will appear in a day or two.
Finally, I’ll write a piece which summarises my experiences, both successes and failures.`
Thoroughbred inbreeding now threatening most horse breeds (horsesandpeople.com.au)
