How does a day at Bloodstock Management begin?

    The same way it has since 1970, quietly maintaining the philosophy of making the right things easy and the wrong things difficult for the young equine athlete.  This philosophy has been the foundation of Bob Cunningham's many successes, either on the race track or in the show ring.

    Bob's accomplishments are attributed to the consistent preparation, careful planning and attention to detail that every horse enjoys when under his care.  Additionally, young prospects possessing agility, suppleness and confidence, provide the ability to achieve a successful career - regardless of the discipline. 

    "Understanding horses reactions and responses to any given action is the insight to analyzing the young horse; however, this is only attainable by the absolute passion and desire to really understand why and how a horse responds," Bob maintains.  The "suggestion of pain" and the reward for their correct response, rather than the pain itself is fundamental to all his teaching.  Bob further explains, "A perfect example would be - applying pressure to the bit, asking a young horse to bend at the poll.  The young horse attempts this bend and the rider immediately releases pressure - this release is the reward - and the horse will remember that  reward most.  Continuing to hold that pressure will only encourage that horse to resist pressure."  This common sense approach is typical of Bob's training style. 

    Bob credits attending the Dr. Marvin Beeman, D.V.M. highly respected analysis, "Form to Function" in the mid 70's as a catalyst in developing his talent and eye for conformation.  Known by leading consignors and owners, Bob's opinion is often sought when making prospect selections.  Fasig-Tipton, a Lexington, Kentucky based leading Thoroughbred sales company, has depended on Bob's knowledge and expertise, approving him as a field inspector for many years.

    Bloodstock Management's Thoroughbred division specializes in breaking, training, sales preparation and purchasing and sales consultation.  A director for the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation, Bob has enjoyed preparing and consigning the highest selling two-year-old-in-training 8 out of the past 20 years at the annual sale.  Q.P. Cat, Wild Escapade, Native Cat Dance, Booker, Little Sucker, Pago Fire, Demetri's Evzone, Barkerville Belle, Tuner Jr., and Near The Bank are some of Bloodstock Management's training program graduates.

    Although the Thoroughbred division is Bob's business, the cutting and quarter horse divisions are his passion.  The cutting, team penning, reining, pleasure horse breaking program incorporates an extensive bending and flexing exercise program, which bob feels is critical to any horses development.  Bob promises that under normal circumstances, using only snaffle bits or bosals, horses will achieve the following during a 90 day training period:

            * taking correct leads and rolling back in both directions

            * start a good reining horse spin

            * stop smooth with a low head carriage and an arched back

            * back well with no resistance

            * control the three major parts of the body; head and neck, shoulder, and hind quarters

            * two tracking, side passing

            * be responsive to the riders leg

    And the most important achievement - horses will be prepared without fear and be much more likely to perform to capacity.