Key Ranch breeding recommendations, which we have provided for many years with great success, are based upon a very simple three-point approach that is heavily influenced by the great Thoroughbred breeder Frederico Tesio. 

First, we consider nicks.  We look at True Nicks, as well as other proven established nicks.

Secondly, we evaluate the inbreeding and/or linebreeding in the pedigree, as well as  the broodmare influence.

Lastly, but just as importantly, we look at the physical compatibility between the stallion and the mare.  Obviously, the preferred way to evaluate physical compatabiity is to see a mare in the flesh.  Unseen, we can usually get a pretty good idea of how a mare is built based upon the typical physical characteristics represented in her pedigree.  

  Nicks (Return to top of page)

A "nick" is traditionally defined as the affinity of a sire or sireline for producing superior runners when crossed with a particular broodmare sireline.  Nasrullah line stallions with Princequillo line mares, Blushing Groom with Nijinsky line mares, and Mr Prospector with Northern Dancer line mares are examples of traditional proven nicks. 

A popular nicking system is True Nicks.  True Nicks is "a system designed to evaluate sire/broodmare sire crosses.  It's the only system that's able to take into account - because of the information available from The Jockey Club Information Systems - all foals on a cross.  It gives true opportunity for a cross.  While it only examines the sire line/ broodmare sire line cross, that aspect through studies of more than 100,000 horses has shown to have a tremendous correlation of success". - Alan Porter

For more information on True Nicks, and for complimentary True Nick ratings, click the True Nicks link at left.