Three questions for... Richard Corveller at the Meslay-du-Maine Clinic
Veterinarian, breeder of Auteuil champions... and beyond!
Does being a vet help when you're a breeder?
Most breeders will say yes, it reduces vet fees. So, that's a strong argument. But clearly, from a technical point of view, being a vet helps, yes, because you see a lot of horses. You are more aware of problems than a breeder, even a very competent one. You can certainly identify pathologies in your horses, especially at the breeding stage, which will be difficult to manage or which will be handicapping for the rest of their career. So, at that level, yes, it's an advantage. Afterwards, it has a drawback, which is that you become a little paranoid. You see problems everywhere and clearly, from time to time, having too much information hinders decision-making.
Have you met the perfect horse?
Yes, and I was lucky enough to meet her since I bought her. So, I have no merit in saying that she was the perfect horse. It was Mr. Tricot who bred a mare called Perfect Impulse. As proof, I'm not a big buyer at public sales and as soon as I saw her, I said to myself that it wasn't possible that people wouldn't buy her. Well, thank you to them because I, yes, I saw the perfect horse and was lucky enough to get her and to see her every morning in the fields. She is magnificent. She has zero flaws physically. She was good. She is very well bred. So, congratulations to her breeder. Afterwards, it all depends on what you call perfection. Perfection is winning. No matter the conformation. She really had it all. That is to say, she is by Polyglot out of Aubane, by Cadoudal. The dam was very good. From a physical point of view, there is not necessarily perfection per se, but there are criteria that are still favorable. Today, if in humans, we measure kids at 13-14 years old who have physical criteria, it's because there are plenty of people who have done analyses and have noticed that to play basketball, it's better to be tall. To jump the obstacles at Auteuil, there are plenty of small horses that have won. But if we take a field, for the most part, we still have a morphotype that is roughly the same, that is to say, long-limbed horses, with a bit of a neck, not too heavy... And the qualities, the courage. I have a lot of admiration for horses. Whether it's a small horse that wins a small race or a very good one, as long as it's a brave one, you can't blame them.
Any advice for young breeders?
I think, patience. Patience and convictions, I think you have to have convictions, believe in certain things, be very well informed. Personally, I learned everything in books. It's surprising because by being in the field, you develop certain skills, but as in many areas, I think it's knowledge that allows you to move forward and once again have convictions so as not to listen to everyone and their dog, not to be swayed by the words of the sweet charlatans who sometimes surround us.
"I was lucky enough to meet the perfect horse and I bought her!"