HGG Community Forums

I do the same thing High Five Acres does. It's really a matter of preference. If you want to keep your numbers small, consistency testing is a great way to make the decision of who to geld/spay after they've passed free testing without breaking the bank.

Inconsistency just means a horse will have a wider "swing" in its showing score each week. A consistent horse will be pretty much spot on each week. An inconsistent horse may have a 2-3 point swing (on average).

That being said, a horse being inconsistent doesn't necessarily mean they will be a bad show horse, especially now that the showing system has changed. Now what matters is that a horse is earning points when they show, and an inconsistent horse can earn points just as easily as a consistent horse can.

Here's a good example for you:
http://www.huntandjump.com/horse.php?horseid=1832740

This mare is inconsistent and doesn't have a spectacular PT score but has earned 2644 points in her lifetime, meaning if she never gained another point she would earn me 1586hbs a week, even if I never showed her again. She is pretty old and could die at rollover, but she has been placing pretty consistently in the money her whole life. And looking at it from a breeding standpoint, she's Blue papered, so that's a plus too!

The only time I would outright yum or auction a horse is if they are "Very Inconsistent." These horses are very rare nowadays because most people have immediately culled those horses when they've been tested as such. In my experience, these horses are pretty unpredictable show horses.

I never pay for that test anymore because I have had PLENTY of EP mares that were inconsistent and produced some amazing foals. For me it is a waste of money. If they are terribly inconsistent, then it will show up pretty quick in their showing and I will just yum them. That being said, I have only done that about 5 times ever. I think you bought an EP mare from me that got spayed for being inconsistent, I would be willing to replace her if you would like. I also have many many inconsistent show horses and they are making me money, so for me, I don't mind if they are a little inconsistent, especially if they are producing like crazy.