Should they stay or should they go? How to decide if you should prepare your yearling yourself or send it to an experienced yard/consignor
This decision can impact not only your yearling’s physical and mental development—but also their final sale price. So how do you know what’s best for your horse, your budget and your goals?
Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision:
Option 1: Doing the Preparation Yourself
Pros:
- You stay fully involved with your horse’s daily care.
- Generally lower costs - especially if you don't charge for your labour - and no consignor's commission.
- Great learning opportunity if you're building your own breeding or sales operation.
Consider if you have:
- Access to proper facilities and equipment (walker, turnout, stables, lunge ring, appropriate tack).
- A solid knowledge of feeding, conditioning, grooming and handling.
- The time, consistency and manpower to stick to a structured schedule.
- Support from a vet and farrier for maintenance and sales preparation protocols.
- Understand the procedures and techniques of selling at auction
Caution:
DIY preparation can be demanding—both physically and mentally. If you’re inexperienced or under-resourced, even a well-bred yearling can underperform on sales day due to preventable issues like lack of condition, poor behaviour, or sub-par presentation.
Option 2: Sending Your Yearling to a Professional Preparation Yard or Consignor
Pros:
- Handled by experienced staff with a proven sales prep routine
- Access to walkers, lunge pens, farrier/vet schedules and professional groomers
- Your yearling becomes accustomed to the kind of handling expected at sales
- Higher likelihood of polished presentation and confident behaviour in the ring
- Can increase the likelihood that purchasers will complete pre-sales visits and examinations.
- Might allow you to consider a wider range of sales/sale's houses?
Consider if you:
- Want to optimise your yearling’s sales value
- Lack time, suitable staff, or specialist knowledge
Caution:
Professional preparation comes at a cost—and not all farms offer the same level of service; some will only provide their service at the sales. Choose a yard which suits your requirements – for instance, do you prefer regular updates over proven track record of sales?
Still Undecided?
Why not invest in some education first? The Yearling Sales Preparation course by TB-ED gives you the insight to confidently prep a yearling yourself—or to ask the right questions when choosing a facility for preparation.
From feeding and conditioning to paperwork and pre-sale examinations, it covers every stage of the process.
Or check out the Yearling Sales Preparation webinar from experts Ted Voute and Jamie Railton, FREE for TBA Full and ACCESS members and only £10 for non-members.
Final Thought:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best decision depends on your experience, your facilities, your resources—and your horse! What matters most is that your yearling reaches the ring confident, conditioned, and ready to impress.
Whether you prep in-house or partner with a professional, the right preparation can turn potential into profit.