While participating in Thoroughbred racing and breeding offers an exciting opportunity, it is nonetheless a speculative opportunity. The game offers high risk, high emotion and high excitement. Money is won and lost, but no better time is had in the process. They are often temperamental and unpredictable. Like a child, a horse doesn't always live up to one's expectations.
Good parents are prepared to deal with ups and downs, emotional and financial, of parenthood.
TOBA believes it begins with thorough preparation and continuing education, not to mention common sense. Every owner can become a knowledgeable and successful manager if he or she is willing to take the time to learn how to do something more about Thoroughbred ownership than write the monthly support check. Also, many farms and racetracks have informative web sites. Attend the races. Attend the sales.