Keystone yearling and breeders sale.

By Blake Jackson

A new sale for Standardbred horses, the Keystone Yearling and Breeders Sale, will take place on October 20 at the Diamond 7 Ranch Arena in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. The sale is a response to the changing landscape of the horse industry. Horsemen, including Martin, Lantz, and Troye, are organizing this event, and all three will have Standardbreds in the sale. Jacqueline Ingrassia, a New Jersey trainer-driver with extensive experience in Standardbred racing, believes the industry is evolving towards a model similar to Thoroughbred racing, featuring a few large stables with expensive horses.

The industry has witnessed a reduction in the number of available yearlings and young geldings at sales, along with a significant increase in prices. This situation poses challenges for small owners and trainers, stretching their resources. While many Standardbreds find second careers as carriage horses, the growing trend of training racetrack Standardbreds as show horses and for pleasure riding has reduced the availability of horses for carriage work.

However, the Keystone Sale aims to address this issue by attracting buyers looking for more affordable horses. Despite the popularity of the two major annual Standardbred sales in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Lexington, Kentucky, and two other well-attended sales in State College, Pennsylvania, there's still a need for horses suitable for smaller owners and trainers.

The Dillsburg location for the Keystone Sale was chosen for its central accessibility for both in-state and out-of-state buyers.

The Ingrassias, who both have extensive experience in the industry, are pleased with the new sales. Jacqueline Ingrassia emphasizes the decline in affordable Standardbreds for small operations in recent years. Frank Ingrassia, who continues to train Standardbreds at the couple's stable in Allentown, New Jersey, agrees, noting the rising prices of horses.

The sale begins with a presentation of yearlings at 6:30 a.m., allowing attendees to inspect the horses and view videos of the offerings. The bidding starts at 9 a.m. and will be streamed online via the Kinect bidding platform.

A total of 100 yearlings will be offered for sale, including 45 weanlings and nearly two dozen mares-in-foal. A flier listing the horses and their lineage is available for those interested in the sale. Additional information can be found on Facebook at Keystone Yearling Sales.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot