Horse Jobs – Bloodstock Agent
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A bloodstock agent is a position that works closely with the animals as well as many members within the industry they specialize. Essentially they work as a liaison between horse owners and auction houses or private sellers.
This is not generally a salaried position, agents generally works for a percentage of the purchase/ sale price of the animal. Those interested in this position should have an affinity for sales and marketing.
This is a position which benefits from a deep knowledge of a specialized industry (usually racing), an expert understanding of pedigree and the ability to spend extended amounts of time on the road.
A highly competitive nature, a phone book full of industry contacts and an innate understanding of confirmation and horseflesh are all elements of a successful bloodstock agent.
Job Description
Bloodstock agents attend auctions and meeting on behalf of owners for the purchase and sale of valuable animals. Agents are utilized for a wide variety of services beyond just buying and selling.
Often their services are used to purchase young horses with good pedigrees to train and sell for a profit. This practice is called ‘pinhooking’.
They can also be involved in sales preparation, bloodstock appraisals for insurance, consultation for breeding and marketing stallions.
Responsibilities
- Monitor the market and trends in the industry
- Keeping an eye on the success rate of important studs
- Representing owners at auction & private sales
- Inspecting stallions, broodmares and foals
- Involved in preparation of animals for sale
- Bloodstock appraisals for insurance
- Consultation for breeding and sales
- Marketing stallions
- Traveling to auctions and breeding facilities worldwide
Requirements
There are no licensing or educational certificates to qualify this position. The real requirement is vast knowledge of key players in your industry and a supreme understanding of horseflesh.
Because this is a freelance position the clients will vary considerably and each one will have specific requirements for their agent. However in the end their primary concern is a quality animal for a good price and your involvement within the industry will play a large part in that outcome.
There is a great deal of money to be made in this career, however it is a highly competitive industry. The top players make very good money, but there are only a few places at the top.
Resources
Here are some quick resources to help get you started.
*All links open in a new window
Basics
Federations & Associations
- Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association
- Federation of Bloodstock Agents – GB
- Federation of Bloodstock Agents – Australia
The Right Job For You?
If this isn’t your dream job, there is a long list of different careers that involve horses. Each one requiring a different skill set, schooling requirement and amount of contact with the animals.
