Paddock Handicapping

1) When healthy, the coats of thoroughbreds are brilliant and reflect sunlight.
2) The live horse will display positive energy such as walking with its head upright. Dull horses will have their heads low and appear disinterested in their surroundings.
3) The ears of a live horse will be upright and straightforward. Flopped over ears or ears pinned back are a negative sign,
4) Tails are a key indicator. Positive signs are tails that are at least two to three inches from the rump. The fact that the horse can keep its tail off its backside represents positive energy. Occasionally you will see an arched tail which is evidence that the horse will run a solid race. If a horse is popping its tail up and down and lurching forward slightly without acting fractious, it is expressing a desire to run.
Negative signs are also observable. Horses which swish their tails horizontally indicate a horse reluctant to run. A flat tail without any space between the tail and the rump signals a horse not interested in running. A tucked tail is usually accompanied by fractious behavior and is a poor sign,
5) If you can see the horse's ribs, it indicates that the horse lacks proper muscling and is a lousy bet.